By Terence Dooley

London’s Kevin Mitchell will attempt to secure a third world title shot when he meets Daniel Estrada on an Eddie Hearn-promoted bill at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday night. Mitchell, 38-2 (28), will challenge Jorge Linares for the WBC lightweight title should he win the fight, which will be shown live on Sky Sports, but he will have to be at the top of his game according to Hearn.

“This is the biggest fight of Kevin’s career, he fights a tough man in Estrada—it's must win and the rewards are huge,” stated Hearn, who also welcomed Juan Manuel Marquez to London. The veteran Mexican is part of Estrada’s team and will be with him on fight night.

“A special welcome to Juan as part of Team Estrada—it is great to have such a legend of the sport in London for this show. It’s a massive fight for him and Kevin.”

Mitchell fell short against Michael Katsidis (L-TKO3 in 2010) and Ricky Burns (L-TKO4, 2012) in his previous title attempts, but has vowed to ease past Estrada, 32-3-1 (24), before making it third time lucky when he meets Linares. “I have worked hard, sparred hard and I am ready,” revealed the 30-year-old. “Ricky and Katsidis stopped me, but I am a changed man now. I can beat Jorge Linares, but I have to beat this guy first.”

Mitchell’s fight will be supported by John Ryder’s bout against Billi Facundo Godoy, the Argentine has wins over Jorge Sebastian Heiland (W12, but Heiland avenged the loss via a 12-round KO win in 2013) and former world welterweight champion Carlos Manuel Baldomir; he has vowed to derail Ryder’s push for titles.

“I have been lucky to have big fights but all fights are different,” stated the 28-year-old visitor. “I respect Ryder like I do all opponents.”

“Godoy is a better opponent than [original opponent Les] Sherrington and I am really buzzing for the fight,” added Ryder. “This is a good chance for me to move up through the rankings and land some big fights this year.”

Tommy Martin and Ricky Boylan have both vowed to produce their best form in vacant BBBoC English light-welterweight title fight. Boylan has been preparing with Jamie Moore in Manchester, he has pledged to bounce back from October's decision loss to Tyler Goodjohn. He said: “This is must-win for me. I've had a full camp with Jamie Moore and it's been brilliant. I know I am going to win. Tommy has taken a fight he doesn't need to take, credit to him. He hasn't boxed at this level, I have.”

Martin rubbished this suggestion, pointing out that his opponent has not recovered from his defeat. “I'm bored of people saying I am only 20,” said Martin. “We wanted the fight with Ricky and he wanted it too, fair play to him, but he's got the demons from that defeat to Tyler, and he's got to cope with that and me on Saturday.”

John Wayne Hibbert and Tyler Goodjohn will also contest a title, Hibbert’s WBC International light-welterweight title will be on the line and he has no intention of letting his fans down, saying: “We're going to have a war—everyone knows that. Sit back and enjoy it. I've done over 600 tickets, I've got brilliant support and I am so thankful. He wants the best of me, I want the best of him.”

“I've come a long way since losing at York Hall over three years ago,” argued Goodjohn. “I was relaxed last time at The O2 and it's the same again.”

Two new faces will be in action on the card, cruiserweight Isaac Chamberlain and flyweight prospect Charlie Edwards both make their debuts, with Chamberlain in particular buoyed by recent training sessions with WBC world titlist Deontay Wilder. “There's been a lot of hype about me and it's time to show people that I am worth the attention,” he said. “Training with Wilder was amazing. I was the youngest and lightest there, but they loved me and want me back.”

Edwards won a bronze European bronze medal during his time in the amateurs; the Scottish boxer vowed to make an immediate impact in the paid ranks. 

“I am so excited to make my debut—I've just been concentrating on working hard in the gym. I will show people I am the real deal.”

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