(Photo: Tom Hogan – Hoganphotos/Golden Boy Promotions) By John F. McKenna (McJack): Undefeated American heavyweight Seth Mitchell (25-0, 19 KO’s) is likely to overwhelm his smaller less powerful opponent Johnathon Banks (28-1, 18 KO’s) when they square off tonight at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. Mitchell weighed in at 242 pounds compared to Banks 218.5 pounds. The match will be carried by HBO at 10 pm ET and will co-feature the lightweight title bout between champion Antonio Demarco and Adrien Broner.

Banks has been on an emotional roller coaster following the recent death of his long time trainer and mentor Emanuel Steward. Johnathon had very little time to mourn Steward’s passing however, as he filled in for him in the corner for Wladimir Klitschko’s bout against Mariusz Wach last Saturday night. Banks then flew back to Detroit to attend Steward’s funeral on Tuesday.

Mitchell, who got a late start in boxing after first playing collegiate football, is hopeful that an impressive win over Banks will catapult him into contention for a title shot against WBA/IBF/WBO/IBO and Ring Magazine heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko in 2013. Ironically if Seth wins Saturday night as expected, he may encounter Banks again in Klitschko’s corner.

Banks will undoubtedly use what he learned from his years of working with Steward as an inspiration against Mitchell. “Mayhem” as his fans call Mitchell, will likely use his nearly 24 pound weight and power advantage to overwhelm Banks. Seth survived a scare in the first round of his last fight with Chazz Witherspoon. Chazz landed a number of power shots which clearly hurt Mitchell. Seth survived the round and two rounds later used his own powers shots to stop the more experienced Witherspoon.

Mitchell has been impressive up to this point against mostly 2nd tier opponents. And at 242 pounds he clearly has the power to be competitive against the top opponents in the heavyweight division. He is also a quick study, is very trainable and has a good work ethic. It is a big leap however as the previously unbeaten Mariusz Wach found out last weekend to move up from the 2nd tier opponents he had been facing and take on the dominant heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko.

Mitchell although a relative newcomer to boxing is well aware that Banks, having been trained and mentored by Steward, is a smart cagey fighter who may use Seth’s strengths against him by loading up on him with counter punches. The fight should give some indication as to where Mitchell is as a fighter.