Calzaghe looks for Mitchell boost
Joe Calzaghe will hope to put one over his world title rival Sven Ottke when he defends his WBO super-middleweight title against American Byron Mitchell in Newcastle on May 24.
Mitchell should provide the Welshman with a good late-notice test after Calzaghe’s original opponent William Joppy chose instead to chase a bout with Bernard Hopkins.
Floridian Mitchell lost his WBA super-middleweight title via split decision to reigning IBF king Ottke in Germany last month.
But the 30-year-old has never been stopped in a 28-fight career and Ottke apart he represents one of the best challenges Calzaghe could have been given amongst campaigning 12-stone men.
Calzaghe, who has been frustrated in attempts to line up the major rivals in his division, was delighted with the news.
He said: “Mitchell is a world-class performer who will give me the type of fight I am craving.
“I have followed his career for four years because I knew that one day I would face him.
“As a former two-time world champion he has to be respected and he has beaten some good fighters.”
Mitchell will be the fifth former world champion Calzaghe has faced in his six years as champion, after Chris Eubank, Robin Reid, Richie Woodhall and Charles Brewer.
