Boxing News : Probst : A Q&A with Sharmba Mitchell

A Q&A with Sharmba Mitchell
by Jason Probst (January 03, 2004)

Sharmba Mitchell has done it before, and plans to do it again. While "comeback" is boxing's most hackneyed phrase, Mitchell is an exception to the rule. After losing in consecutive knockout losses to Leavander Johnson and Stevie Johnston in 1994, Mitchell went on to win his next 16 fights, including the WBA 140-pound title.

It was a bad combination of circumstance when he met Kostya Tszyu in a 2001 title unification match. With a bad knee, Mitchell did his best in a rough fight before being unable to continue in the seventh round. Long maintaining that his bad wheels prevented him from performing at his best in the bout, Mitchell has since won five straight and looked excellent. As a fast lefthander with rare reflexes and timing, he picks opponents apart when his game is on, displaying a rare ability to make opponents miss by in while countering astutely.

Traveling to Russia in February for his grudge rematch against Tszyu, Mitchell knows you don't get too many second chances, and he's looking for payback en route.

MaxFacts:

Sharmba "Little Big Man" Mitchell

Record: 52-3 (29 KO)
Age: 33
Key wins: Terron Millett (KO 1), Khalid Rahilou (UD 12) won WBA 140-lb title), Ben Tackie (UD 12)
Key Losses: Kostya Tszyu (TKO 7 due to injury), Leavander Johnson (KO 8), Stevie Johnston (TKO 9)
Last fight: UD 12 Ben Tackie, 5-17-2003
Next fight: February 7 vs. Kostya Tszyu, for world's 140-pound title, Moscow, Russia (Showtime)

Jason Probst: So how is Sharmba Mitchell feeling these days?

Sharmba Mitchell: I feel great! And you know what? I'm going into this camp in shape. I feel great about this training camp.

JP: When will you go into training?

SM: I just got here today. My preparations start tomorrow (December 29).

JP: Where are you training?

SM: Vero Beach, Florida.

JP: You're fighting Tszyu in Russia. Are you going to get there a couple weeks early or what?

SM: I only want to be there a week. I'm not worried about the cold there. Hey, it's cold in Washington, D.C., too. I'll just take some long johns and courderoys and I'll be OK.

JP: Are you worried about fighting him on his home turf?

SM: I don't care whose turf it was on. It could be on my turf of his. I'm looking forward to this rematch, man. I'd rather have it be on his turf so I can take the belts there in front of all his fans.

JP: You always maintained that the knee hindered your performance in the first fight. Since then you've rehabbed it and looked good in your last four outings, but you've admitted you still don't know if it's fully healed. How's it holding up?

SM: I train just the same. I still work out on it, and I put weights to it. It's gonna be OK.

JP: Why have you been fighting so well lately? Because some of your best performances were against Ben Tackie and Vince Phillips.

SM: When I dedicate myself to something, I'm gonna make it happen. Earlier in my career I just wasn't as dedicated. Me fighting regularly helps also, and being in great shape. This fight is gonna be way different. You're gonna see a way better Sharmba Mitchell, more powerful, like you've been seeing lately. And I guarantee you the world will be shocked.

JP: Do you think Tszyu might be getting a little older? Because he wasn't as dominant against Jesse James Leija as many expected.

SM: I thought Jesse James Leija was winning the fight. I thought he just gave up. I was surprised Tszyu had so much trouble with him. But I don't think he was in that great of shape. Or he might be starting to get old. He made his comeback after he lost to Vince Phillips, and made his (name) with Zab. Maybe he's done what he feels he needed to do. But I expect him to be in better shape for me.

JP: You've talked a lot about A-level and B-level fighters in the division. How do you rate Ricky Hatton off his fight versus Tackie?

SM: Ricky did well against Tackie. I just beat Tackie up so bad, I'm surprised Ricky Hatton didn't knock him out. If Tackie wouldn't have come off such a bad beating and all that, I probably would've changed my mind about Ricky Hatton. He needs to fight someone really credible. Maybe he and Zab can get it on.

JP: So, is there a rematch clause with Tszyu if you win?

SM: Not that I know of. It doesn't make a difference to me.

JP: If you beat Tszyu, what do you want to do next?

SM: I want to move up in weight and go after the 147-pound champions. And then move up again and go after 154.