Kevin Mitchell vs. Ismael Barroso: Fight Time, Date and TV Info

After a tough loss to Jorge Linares, Kevin Mitchell returns to action on Saturday with a chance to earn another shot at a world title.

The English lightweight fell short in his latest attempt to become a world champion in May, as he was stopped by Venezuelan Linares in Round 10 of a pulsating fight at the O2 Arena in London.

Now Mitchell (39-3, 29 KOs) goes back to the same venue looking to become the WBA's interim champion. Standing in his way is another fighter from Venezuela—Ismael Barroso (18-0-2, 17 KOs).

The winner will be first in line for a shot at full WBA champion Anthony Crolla next year.

When: Saturday December 12, 9 p.m. GMT (4 p.m. ET)

Where: O2 Arena, London

TV: Sky Sports Box Office (UK—pay-per-view channel)

Win Or Bust

Ben Hoskins/Getty Images

Despite only being 31, Mitchell is now at the must-win stage of his career.

For different reasons, the Londoner has never been quite able to clear the final hurdle at world level.

He admits poor preparation was the root cause for the third-round stoppage at the hands of Michael Katsidis (which was for the interim WBO belt) back in 2010, per the Express, "I was no pro boxer, I was an immature Dagenham boy with a few quid in the bank, spending it like an idiot."

Ricky Burns then proved too much to handle in 2012 in his challenge for WBO title.

The near miss against Linares, however, must go down as the toughest of his three career defeats. Having dropped the champion in Round 5, Mitchell looked set for a coronation in the capital.

Instead, he ended up battered, bruised and—most importantly of all—beaten. Again.

Ex-fighter turned commentator Jim Watt told Sky Sports, "If Mitchell retires without winning a world title, then he'll be one of the most talented boxers of recent times not to win one. It must be breaking his heart."

It would be a great story if "The Hammer" could nail his next opportunity, but to get one more shot he first needs to get past Barroso.

Promoter Eddie Hearn expects the visiting fighter to provide a stern test, telling Boxing Scene's Shaun Brown: "I think it’s a 50-50 fight to be honest. Mitchell’s coming off the back of a war against Linares and this kid can punch but this kid can be hurt. He’s been hurt before in fights and Mitchell can punch as well."

The carrot has been dangled in front of Mitchell—beat Barroso and get a fight against Crolla next year for the WBA strap.

Lose, though, and it looks like the end of the line.

Knockout Potential

Barroso has arrived in England with an unbeaten record and a point to prove.

According to his promoter, Greg Cohen, the 32-year-old has the chance to show he is one of the elite competitors in a packed lightweight division. Per quotes that appeared on Boxing News 24, Cohen said:

"

Ismael has been the strongest puncher at the weight for years and he’s finally going to get his chance to become the world champion and feared slugger he was always destined to become

Kevin Mitchell is a good fighter but there’s not a lightweight in the world who can keep from getting hit by Barroso even once and that’s all it takes.

We are very confident going into this one.

"

Barroso's record offers credence to his promoter's claim. Of his 18 career victories, 17 of them have been by knockout. His career CV suggests the southpaw packs a punch.

His last two outings have both been on American soil, with stoppage wins over Issouf Kinda and Ira Terry.

Mitchell, however, is comfortably a class above anyone Barroso has previously fought.

Ron Lewis—boxing journalist for the Times—also questioned the visiting fighter's conditioning after the pre-fight press conference, tweeting:

Barroso—who has only boxed 59 rounds in his career, compared to Mitchell's total of 223—cannot afford to be out of shape for his big chance on English soil.

Prediction

With his career on the line, Mitchell simply has to deliver.

He needs to be wary of the big-hitting Barroso in the early stages, but the Venezuelan's lack of experience will count against him with each round that passes by.

A potential clash with compatriot Crolla is too good to pass up. Mitchell will find a way to win and get another shot at a major belt, producing a stoppage between Rounds 7 and 9.