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Mitchell calls out Katsidis after reigniting career

Kevin Mitchell is back in business after defeating John Murray © Getty Images

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Kevin Mitchell has set his sights on a rematch with Michael Katsidis after getting his career "back on track" with a stunning win over domestic rival John Murray.

Mitchell had not fought for more than a year when he stepped inside the ropes to face Murray on Saturday night in Liverpool. However, he shrugged off the ring-rust to stop the previously unbeaten Mancunian in the eighth round to claim the vacant WBO inter-continental lightweight title.

With his career back heading in the right direction, the Dagenham-born fighter is chomping at the bit to complete his redemption by taking on Katsidis, who he lost to in devastating fashion last May.

"My dream is back on track," said Mitchell. "The dream I've always had since I was a kid is back on track so I'm happy. I want the rematch with Katsidis. I want closure. I'd definitely want to go back to Upton Park for it, they are waiting for me there."

The 26-year-old has always maintained his head was not in the right place during the lead up to the Katsidis clash, with Mitchell piecing his life back together after going on a "proper bender".

"The stresses I was going through and the strain of life was leading me into the pub every night," he said. "I was in the pub from Monday to Sunday, Monday to Sunday. I've not been in the pub now for over a year.

"My local pub is the Cross Keys, it's a Dagenham boozer where all my pals drink, we've all grown up together, everyone's in this pub. I've not been in there for a whole year and every one of them turned up [on Saturday]. They are happy that I've kept out the boozer.

"I'm living with my mum and she's been driving me bonkers. But I sleep, rest, I see my kids Monday, Tuesday and Friday overnight. That's what makes me happy, my two boys. When you're happy you train happily.

"My mum and dad haven't been together since I was four and for them to come into the pub together, when I was slouched in the boozer...they dragged me out of there where all my pals were and they took me home and said 'What are you playing at? Sort your life out'.

"I was on a proper bender after the Katsidis fight. So then I was effectively barred and also I didn't want my mum and dad coming into the pub and embarrassing me again!"

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