Venezuelan bomber Ismael Barroso (18-0-2, 17 KOs) is talking knockout in advance of his showdown with England’s Kevin Mitchell for the WBA interim lightweight title this Saturday, December 12, at the O2 Arena in London.
One of the strongest punchers in the world at 135 lbs., Barroso will face Mitchell as part of the Sky Sports Box Office card, headlined by bitter heavyweight rivals Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte’s battle for the MBE British and Commonwealth Championship.
“He is a very strong fighter, but he has not fought me,” said the confident Barroso. “I will be strong in every way.”
Barroso, from El Tigre, Venezuela, will be vying for his first interim world title with the winner scheduled to face regular champion, Anthony Crolla, within 90 days.
“I will walk him down and throw many combinations. I will hit him with hard shots, and I will knock him out,” continued the determined Barroso.
His promoter, Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions, says Barroso’s star is about to rise in boxing.
“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,” said Cohen. “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.”
