15 rounds with super middleweight Jayde Mitchell

Super middleweight contender Jayde Mitchell 20-2 (10) has had mixed fortunes over the past 12 months. The likable larrikin fought twice last year, logging a first-round knockout against overmatched Tanzanian Ibrahim Tamba in September before backing up with a hard-fought 10-round win over Russian power-puncher Stanislav Kashtanov two months later.

Mitchell suffered a setback in February when he dropped a 10-round split decision to crafty Hungarian Istvan Szili, who was riding a four-fight win streak at the time.

The formerly world-rated 168-pounder is adamant he can still make a splash on the world scene with his clever boxing and warrior’s heart.

Read on to learn what makes the prince of the Mornington Peninsula tick.

Round 1: What attracted you to boxing in the first place?

Mitchell: My father Len was a fighter. His father Hugh was a fighter and my mother’s father Carl was a fighter. It’s in my DNA but having said that, my father tried to steer me away from boxing but I gravitated to it. I grew up obsessed with Mike Tyson and Rocky Balboa.

Round 2: Toughest fight in the amateurs or pros?

Mitchell: Stanislav Kashtanov. The man was like the Terminator. He was absolutely relentless, I couldn’t of hurt the man with a cricket bat! Although I did get a knock down in round nine that wasn’t scored. I had an amazing training camp and was ready and prepared for what this former champion brought to the fight.

Round 3: Biggest puncher you’ve faced?

Mitchell: Ainiwaer Yilixiati.

Round 4: What are the best and worst thing about being a boxer?

Mitchell: The challenge is the best thing about fighting and the anticipation being in that moment with a live opponent in front of you. There’s nothing like it. Such a test both physically and mentally, you have to go places that in other sports you don’t. The worst part is the broken promises and sacrifices. Worst of all the financial sacrifice. I’m only one fight away from world title contention again and big fights securing financial security for my family. I’ve had some amazing offers that I couldn’t take due to injury and surgeries. I know these opportunities will come again.

Round 5: What is your most defining win of your career?

Mitchell: The Kashtanov win I felt this validated my position in the world ratings and proved I could mix it with the best in the world.

Round 6: What are your goals for the next 12 months?

Mitchell: As soon as boxing is back, to beat whoever is put in front of me. In a perfect world, to avenge the Szili loss. It’s such a bitter pill to swallow and I’m so much better that.

Round 7: What are some your hobbies away from the ring?

Mitchell: Family! I’m a relatively new father I have a baby girl, Drew, and I’m so in love with my girls! Just spending time being a dad and a husband.

Round 8: Who is always ringside for you fights?

Mitchell: Of course, my wife Tegan and my bub Drew. Also my family, my mother, both my sisters, extended family, my sponsors and three-quarters of the Mornington Peninsula. Fight in fight out, I always have great support.

Round 9: Who has been biggest influence on your career?

Mitchell: My wife and my father and coach Len. I also love Sam Soliman. I’m influenced and inspired by that man and I’ve been lucky enough to spend the majority of my career training alongside this champion human. He inspires me not only to be a better athlete, but a better human. ‘King’ is one in a million.

Round 10: What fight have you learnt the most from?

Mitchell: They say you don’t lose you learn, and I agree. I’ve learned so much from the losses. Never underestimate anyone.

Round 11: What is something our readers would be surprised to learn about you?

Mitchell: At my heaviest I was 130kg (286 pounds). I was a beachball with eyes!

Round 12: Do you have any superstitions or rituals you follow in the lead-up to fight night?

Mitchell: I have my fight jocks (boxer brief). When those jocks are on, shit’s about go down!

Round 13: What is your favourite post-fight feed?

Mitchell: American style BBQ brisket, burgers and beers.

Round 14: Why would we find you when you’re away from the gym?

Mitchell: Working as a concreter.

Round 15: If you weren’t boxing, what would you be doing?

Mitchell: I’d be a cabaret singer. Or a barista. And horrendously fat.