By William Mackay: The long awaited bout between unbeaten EBU lightweight champion John Murray (31-0, 18 KO’s) and Kevin Mitchell (31-1, 23 KO’s) is looking like it’s going to be taking place this summer in July, according to news from frankwarren.tv. This is going to be a real test for both of these fighters because neither of them has been in tough.

Mitchell, 26, came closest to being tested when he won a 12 round decision against Colombian slugger Breidis Prescott in December 2009. However, Mitchell ruined his momentum from that fight by being blown out in three rounds by Michael Katsidis last year in May. Mitchell hasn’t been in the ring since then and his win over Prescott may be the only high point of his career.

It’s difficult to see Mitchell beating Prescott now, because the Colombian has greatly improved since 2009 and would likely jab and blast Mitchell to pieces right now. Murray, for his part, is highly ranked but hasn’t been looked good in ages. He doesn’t move his head, isn’t that fast of hand or foot and isn’t that big of a puncher.

Murray is basically a young plodder. I’m not too high on Mitchell, but I can see him beating Murray if Mitchell’s skills aren’t too rusty from all his time off. This is a fight where Mitchell might be hurt by his inactivity, because he could do well early on but then run out of gas late.

Whoever wins this fight, they could find themselves in a title fight against someone like WBC lightweight champion Humberto Soto or WBA champ Brandon Rios. I can’t see Mitchell or Murray doing well against either of those guys. However, they will at least have their fight against each other to be proud of.