Trading With Seth Mitchell: Heavyweight Looking To Fight In March
Seth Mitchell file photo by Trey Pollard for StiffJab.com
by Gautham Nagesh
Saturday night’s HBO boxing card in Atlantic City was supposed to feature the rematch between heavyweights Seth Mitchell and Johnathon Banks, until Banks broke his thumb just two weeks before the fight. Now Banks is out 6-8 weeks, and Mitchell is looking to get back into the ring before the end of next month.
Mitchell took a moment out of his busy schedule to chat with Stiff Jab on Tuesday about the delay, his desire to stay busy rather than waiting until May, when Banks would likely be ready to fight. Mitchell noted the first fight between the two was also delayed several times due to injuries and promotional issues, and he is hoping to avoid fighting a single time in a calendar year during his prime. His responses below have been edited for length and clarity.
What was your reaction to the news the fight was off?
It was very disappointing, especially because it was so close to the fight. I had pretty much peaked out [in my training] and was in taper down mode. I was definitely ready to fight, but at the same time, things happen in boxing and you just gotta deal with it. But it was very, very disappointing.[[MORE]]
What is your plan now?
I really don’t know (plan). I definitely want the rematch with Banks, but don’t want to wait, depending on how long it takes him to heal. I don’t want to sit for 3-4 months before I fight again. My team and I will have to come to a decision. I definitely want the rematch, but don’t want to wait.
We also discussed Mitchell’s opinion of Bryant Jennings, Deontay Wilder and other heavyweights.
On Bryant Jennings:
I wanted the fight to get made [when Banks got hurt]. It’s not like they have totally different fighting styles. They’re the same weight, same height, I know Jennings’ reach is a lot longer. But I definitely would have accepted that fight on the 16th. I was ready to fight….I know he made a couple comments that I was ducking him, none of that is true. I definitely wanted the fight.
Deontay Wilder:
I’ve seen him fight a few times. He definitely has power, athleticism, and he’s 6'7", he’s a good fighter. We’re all with the same promotional company. There’s been no talk of him and I fighting, but I like what I see in Deontay.
I think there’s a lot of a good heavyweights. Give credit to the Klitschkos, they’ve been dominating the sport. But there are a lot of up and coming heavyweights, if they go in there with the right game plan, touch them, they can get in and get the job done [against the Klitschkos]. But talking doesn’t win fights.
The Klitschkos aren’t unbeatable.But it’s definitely gonna be a tough task. They are the champions for a reason. They might not be the most exciting heavyweights, but I respect them, they definitely can fight.
Are you looking to fight another fast, slick heavyweight for your next fight?
I’ve reached the high level fairly quickly in my career, at the same time I’m still learning. Fighting different styles will prepare me for the opportunity if I’m blessed to get a title shot. I learned a lot from the Johnathon Banks fight.
So are you ready to fight soon?
Definitely - I haven’t stopped training. When they told me, the Tuesday two weeks before the fight, I didn’t stop training. I still stayed in the gym, yesterday, today. I’ve just been prepared. Hopefully, I would love to fight before then end of March. We still have to talk and iron things out, but I’m staying in shape as if I’m fighting.
How has the camp been?
It’s the first time I’ve been away for the whole training camp, in Lynchburg, Va. Just the opportunity to get away from my everyday responsibilities as far as being a husband and a father, and fully concentrate on the things that I needed to do. But I’m always focused, whenever I step into the ring. Just to have a different atmosphere, I think it was a good thing.
What did you work on in camp?
I won’t discuss it that much, but we put a couple things in there we were planning to use in this next fight. Overall, we focused on not reaching and not lunging, balance, just being a smarter fighter against a counterpuncher, and better defense. I definitely can see an improvement. I’m just excited to show my improvement.