Linares-Mitchell, Gradovich-Selby, Joshua on May 30th

By Terence Dooley

Jorge Linares will defend his WBC lightweight title against mandatory challenger Kevin Mitchell on May 30 at London’s O2, according to Eddie Hearn.  Eddie Hearn, Mitchell’s promoter, told Sky Sports News that he has reached an agreement with Golden boy, who represent Linares, for the bout.

Lee Selby’s IBF featherweight title challenge to Evgeny Gradovich plus Anthony Joshua against Kevin Johnson will feature on the same show, confirming yesterday’s news that the Selby fight has been pushed back from its April date.  Sky will televise the bill.

“These are two respected champions coming into the challenger’s back yard,” stated Hearn.  “Finally, I believe [Kevin] Mitchell will fulfil his world title dream.”

He added: “I believe this is perfect timing for Kevin.  The support he will receive at the O2 will be fantastic.  Anthony’s a beast, he’ll face Johnson on May 30.  Let’s see the power against someone who hasn’t been stopped.  Anthony wants the big fights, Tyson Fury, David Price and those big domestic fights—I think they can happen this year, especially Price.  He’s probably the most exciting fighter in world boxing right now.”

It is Mitchell’s third crack at a world title, he lost to Michael Katsidis in 2010 (TKO 3 for the WBO’s interim belt) and Ricky Burns (L TKO 4 for the WBO’s full title) in 2012—the Londoner will be hoping it’s third time lucky against the talented Japan-based Venezuelan boxer.

Linares won the belt in January courtesy of a fourth-round KO over Javier Prieto, his third world title win.

Mitchell earned his shot by beating Daniel Estrada in January, the 30-year-old boxed brilliantly en route to an eighth-round TKO win to move to 39-2 (29).  Linares is 38-3 (25).