Banks was the huge underdog going into this fight but he claimed that he was dedicating his performance to the late, great Emanuel Steward and was going to leave everything on the line. Mitchell was respectful to Banks and his promises in the build-up but he also claimed that he was going to win this fight and even more importantly by early KO like he has done so many times before.
It was a hesitant start from Banks and Mitchell looked like the guy who had something to prove in the first round. It was all one-way traffic through the first three minutes coming from the bigger and stronger fighter. Round 2 started pretty much the same, Mitchell powering forward and pushing Banks onto the ropes. However, halfway into the round Banks landed a stunning uppercut that sent Mitchell flying back into the ropes and onto the canvas. Now, we've seen Mitchell down and hurt in his career before but he recovered almost straight away. This time he didn't. Banks didn't up the pressure but just picked his punches and eventually knocked Mitchell down twice more before the referee stopped the fight whilst Mitchell was just left scrambling on the floor.
Banks is now left in awkward position, but it's a good awkward position. He's now a top contender for any world title but the problem is that the guy he now trains (Wladimir Klitschko) owns most of the world titles in this division and his brother (Vitali) holds the other one. I really, really, really can't see him ever fighting Wladimir but there is a chance of a bout with Vitali.
If he could get a shot at Alexander Povetkin then that would most likely be better for him but there's no money or promotion in that fight so there's not much chance of it happening.
Whatever happens next, it was a fantastic night for Banks last night and he potentially has a fantastic future in front of him.
By Jack Price @PriceyJ97 - PriceyBoxing@gmail.com
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