By Scott Gilfoid: Lightweight Kevin Mitchell (32-1, 24 KO’s) faces Felix Lora (14-8-5, 8 KO’s) in a scheduled 10 round bout this Friday night at the York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, UK.

This is supposed to be a stay busy fight for the 27-year-old Mitchell but I see Lora as a potential problem for him due to his big power in both hands. But if Mitchell can win this fight, he’ll almost surely be next up for WBO lightweight champion Ricky Burns in what would be an in house fight, as they both share the same promoter.

Mitchell hasn’t fought since last July when he beat John Murray by an 8th round TKO in Mitchell’s comeback fight. Before that, Mitchell hadn’t fought in over months since losing by a 3rd round blowout against Michael Katsidis in May 2010.

Mitchell never did try and avenge that defeat and instead just left in the past and moved on. That was probably a wise decision because Katsidis would have had an excellent chance of knocking Mitchell out again if they were to fight due to the combination of Katsidis’ speed, power and Mitchell’s shaky chin. This is why I see Lora as having a real chance in this fight because he’s got better hand speed than Katsidis and power that is at least as good as him if not better because Lora can punch equally hard with both hands, not just with his left like Katsidis.

Mitchell is ranked #1 by the World Boxing Organization, above Katsidis strangely enough. I don’t exactly agree with that but I’m not surprised with how sanctioning bodies are.

Lora will have to really chase Mitchell down in this fight because the Brit will play the hit and run game like he did against Breidis Prescott and try to win the fight without getting wet. Once he tastes Lora’s power and realizes that the guy has lethal power, Mitchell will be playing the hit and run game all night.