Seth Mitchell vs. Chazz Witherspoon on Dawson-Hopkins II undercard on April 28th

By Boxing News - 02/27/2012 - Comments

Image: Seth Mitchell vs. Chazz Witherspoon on Dawson-Hopkins II undercard on April 28thBy Allan Fox: In a slightly interesting fight, No.7 WBO heavyweight contender Seth Mitchell (24-0-1, 18 KO’s) will be taking on former heavyweight contender Chazz Witherspoon (30-2, 22 KO’s) in a scheduled 10 round bout on the undercard of the Bernard Hopkins vs. Chad Dawson II rematch on April 28th at the Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States.

Mitchell’s promoter, Richard Schaefer, the CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, told ESPN writer Dan Rafael “It’s a good solid fight and a good step up for Seth. It’s a fight that makes sense for Seth and for Chazz Witherspoon.”

This actually a step down for Mitchell from his last opponent Timur Ibragimov, who Mitchell surprisingly stopped in the 2nd round last December. Mitchell, a former All-American football linebacker for Michigan State University, is still a developing fighter. He only had 10 amateur fights before turning pro in 2008. He’s beaten mostly 2nd tier opposition until his win over fringe contender Ibragimov. The fight against Witherspoon will be a backwards step into the 2nd tier for Mitchell, as Witherspoon, 30, is no longer ranked in the top 15 after losses to Chris Arreola and Tony Thompson.

Mitchell, 6’2″, has limited height, hand speed and power, and it’s difficult to see him going far. He’s good enough right now to be one of the heavyweight contenders but when he eventually faces someone good he’ll likely get beaten.

Witherspoon, a former 2004 National Golden Gloves Heavyweight Champion, hasn’t done a lot since losing to Thompson in December 2009. He’s won his last four fights but against 2nd tier opposition. Mitchell is fringe 1st tier, so we’ll likely see Witherspoon get stopped again.

Mitchell will be turning 30 in May, and he needs to brought a long a little faster if he’s to have a chance before he ages out. He’s still improving at this point but he’s got a lot of flaws and his lack of hand speed and size is his biggest faults.



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