Our selection from last week came from the match up between former world title challenger Kevin Mitchell (39-4, 29KOs) of the United Kingdom and unbeaten Ismael Barroso (19-0-2, 18KOs) of Venezuela. The bout took place at the O2 Arena (Millenium Dome), in Greenwich, London, United Kingdom. It was scheduled for 12 rounds with the WBA interim World lightweight title on the line. The show was promoted by Eddie Hearn (Matchroom Boxing).
Mitchell came up short once again in his effort to become a world champion in his last fight. He had WBC champion Jorge Linares down in round 5 and was up on two of the scorecards late in the fight. Mitchell found himself on the losing end of a punishing TKO in round 10. He entered his fight with Barroso with much more experience but questions on his damage received in his previous fight. Mitchell came out seemingly very tentative. Barroso seemed very relaxed and aggressive. In round 5 a jab sent Mitchell to the canvas. He beat the count but was very unsteady. Barroso pounced on him with a barrage of punches and the referee rightfully waived the fight off. It was another title loss for Mitchell. We saw our win streak snapped as well as Mitchell was our selection.
This week we have decided to go with matchup between former world title challenger Bryant Jennings (19-1, 10 KOs) and unbeaten WBA World interim heavyweight champion Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz (23-0, 20 KOs). The bout will be the main event at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York. HBO Championship Boxing will televise with Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions promoting the show.
Jennings is coming off of a very respectable decision loss to then unified world champion Wladimir Klitschko. It was Jennings who was the aggressor to the much more tactically cautious Klitschko. It was the first professional loss for Jennings but because of his surprising effort he actually came out it much more respected in the public eye. Ortiz has not fought the opposition that Jennings has on the pro level but has pretty much destroyed what he has faced. Basically doing what he was supposed to do with what has been placed in front of him. We don’t expect for Ortiz to do to Jennings what he has been doing to weaker opposition but do believe he will beat Jennings.
Disclaimer: Boxing360’s Pick of the week is strictly for entertainment purposes only
