Mitchell vs. Estrada: Preview, Fight Time, Live Stream and TV Info

By Rob Lancaster

British boxing comes back to life in 2015 on Saturday night with an intriguing battle between two fighters who know a defeat could derail their bids to win a world title.

Local boy Kevin Mitchell (38-2, 28 KO) and Mexican Daniel Estrada (32-3-1 24 KO) will do battle for the vacant WBC silver lightweight title at the O2 Arena in London.

Both men know, however, that more is on the line than just a minor belt. A loss is a final elimination that neither can really afford.

They boast similar records and have both fallen short in previous attempts to become world champion at the weight limit.

Poor preparation proved costly for Mitchell when he met Australian Michael Katsidis back in 2010, while he found fellow Brit Ricky Burns too much to handle two years later.

Estrada, meanwhile, comes into this fight off the back of a failed bid to wrestle the WBC strap from the possession of Omar Figueroa—who has since been stripped of the title due to injury—in September of last year.

However, the 29-year-old has the added boost of legendary compatriot Juan Manuel Marquez in his corner for what promises to be an intriguing battle.

When: Saturday, Jan. 31

Where: O2 Arena, London, England

TV: Sky Sports 1 HD (live from 8 p.m.)

Live Stream: Sky Sports (subscription required)

Mitchell made it clear at Thursday's pre-fight press conference that he understands the importance of this fight: "Time is running out. I have 40 fights, I am nearly 30—this is my last shot." 

He has already had a solid career, winning British and Commonwealth titles down at super featherweight.

Clearly, though, Mitchell yearns to be a world champion before he hangs up his gloves. To achieve that goal, he really cannot afford to lose to Estrada.

One would hope that he learned from the Katsidis defeat, one that was made even more painful as it happened to him at Upton Park, the home of his beloved West Ham Football Club.

He also needs to make sure there is no repeat of his last bout. Mitchell defeated Ghislain Maduma last May but failed to make check-in weight on the day of the fight, meaning he could not become the mandatory challenger for the IBF title, per Mike Dawes of the Daily Mail.

There's no doubting Mitchell's talent, but hopefully the penny has now dropped and he'll display the dedication and attention to detail required to get to the very top.

The support Estrada has in his corner could be crucial if he is going to upset the odds in the English capital.

Marquez knows what it takes to become a world champion, and his guidance may be required as his fellow countryman bids to record his first professional win on foreign soil.

Estrada put up a valiant show in the defeat to Figueroa: He was willing to stand and trade with the champion in a bout that featured on the undercard of Kell Brook's victory over Shawn Porter in California.

Such tactics could be foolish against a slick puncher like Mitchell, though he may believe dragging his rival into a war will give him the best chance for success.

According to Matchroom Sports, Marquez insists Estrada has put in the hard work during a 10-week training camp: "He comes motivated and with this big hope to win. Every fighter’s dream is to fight for the World title. That’s why he is here in England."

Prediction

The question is: Can Mitchell cope with the added pressure of knowing his dream could be dashed with another defeat?

He has done everything required of him since losing to Burns, winning his last five outings.

Estrada, though, is a particularly dangerous opponent. He showed against Figueroa that he does not mind mixing it up. That seems to be his best chance to triumph on the road.

Mitchell does not need to be dragged into the trenches, however. His performance in beating John Murray back in 2011 shows he has the skills to cope with a pressure fighter.

He should have just enough to come out on top in the end, possibly via a late stoppage.

Article Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2346565-kevin-mitchell-vs-daniel-estrada-preview-fight-time-live-stream-and-tv-info