By Sean McDaniel: A bout between former WBA lightweight champion Brandon Rios (29-0-1, 22 KO’s) and Kevin Mitchell (32-1, 24 KO’s) is reportedly a possibility for March 3rd. Mitchell, 27, missed out on fighting Rios last month on December 3rd on the undercard of the Miguel Cotto vs. Antonio Margarito fight at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Mitchell was the one that Top Rank wanted to fight Rios, but due to legal entanglements, Mitchell was unable to make it for that fight. Instead, fellow Brit John Murray made the trip and was taken out in the 11th round by Rios in a mostly one-sided fight. Mitchell wasn’t too impressed with what he saw from Rios in that fight and thinks he can beat him.

Rios is said to be open to facing Mitchell next, as is Mitchell eager to take the fight. However, Mitchell’s legal problems may get in the way of him being able to travel to the United States to take this fight.

Right now Mitchell has a fight scheduled against Stephen Ormond (11-0, 5 KO’s) next month on February 10th. After that, there’s talk of Mitchell possibly facing WBO lightweight interim champion Ricky Burns. However, if Mitchell can get the Rios fight, it might be a better option. Both fights will be dangerous for Mitchell, especially the Rios bout because he can really punch and is good at cutting off the ring. Mitchell has proven that he can outbox sluggers, though, as he showed in his 12 round unanimous decision win over former Amir Khan conqueror Breidis Prescott in December 2009. Mitchell unfortunately was stopped in the 3rd round two fights later by Michael Katsidis in May 2010. Mitchell has fought once since then, stopping John Murray in the 8th round last year in July. Mitchell did a better job against Murray than Rios did.