As he predicted in the week leading up to the fight, lightweight powerhouse Ismael Barroso cemented himself as the puncher to watch in the lightweight division by scoring an impressive knockout over England’s Kevin Mitchell on Saturday night at the O2 Arena in London. A new star in boxing, Barroso now holds an interim title strap in the division.
Barroso dropped Mitchell three times en-route to a TKO 5. At the time of the stoppage he was up 40-35 on one card and 39-36 on the other two.
Barroso’s promoter, Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions, couldn’t be happier.
“Kevin Mitchell was very close to winning a world title in his last fight and was universally recognized as a world-class lightweight and Ismael was a nearly 4 to 1 underdog. But from the opening bell, my guy dominated. Not only did Ismael show off his world-class power, he showed excellent boxing ability, speed and defense as well.”
Such an impressive display was Barroro’s, he dropped the normally durable Mitchell hard with a jab, that Cohen says his fighter is on the fast track to becoming the world’s best.
“Ismael’s power is uncanny for a lightweight and he is one of those rare fighters, like a vintage Mike Tyson, or Edwin Valero, where his opponents are already beaten before they get in the ring due to fear,” continued Cohen. “Now that he has a WBA World Title, he will have the platform to showcase his crushing power and enormous talent on a large stage.”
Next for Barroso will be another Englishman, Anhtony Crolla, by way of WBA resolution which called for the winner of Perez V. Crolla to face the winner of Barroso V. Mitchell within 120 days.
“We can only hope that Anthony Crolla, who was sitting ringside Saturday night, doesn’t get gun-shy and embraces the challenge,” said Cohen. “We look forward to returning to England and Ismael having another opportunity to display his talents.”
