• Boxing

Katsidis cuts down Mitchell

Kevin Mitchell was overwhelmed by Michael Katsidis © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Katsidis' trainer says Khan fight unlikely
  
• News: DeGale desperate to be fast-tracked to major title
  
• News: Khan warns Mitchell that bouncing back won't be easy
  
• News: Stop milking my son like a cash cow - Shah Khan
  
• News: Khan camp line up Katsidis clash
  

Kevin Mitchell's world title hopes were left in tatters as Michael Katsidis defended his WBO interim Lightweight title with a third-round stoppage of the Londoner.

Mitchell came into the clash defending a 31-fight unbeaten run, but his victories came at a lower level to Katsidis. The Mitchell camp had confidence that their man could back up his win over Breidis Prescott but he was overwhelmed by the Australian.

The 25-year-old started well in front of a raucous crowd at the Boleyn Ground, working well behind his jab, but there were warning signs at the end of the first round when the Australian went on the attack.

The better workrate came from Mitchell in the second, but his hopes were dashed in the third as he was caught early with a strong left hand. Mitchell continued to try and trade rather than hold on and he paid the price later in the round as a fantastic left hand turned the legs to jelly and the referee stepped in to stop the fight.

Mitchell is determined to emerge stronger from the fight. "It is one of those things, I knew he was a big puncher and he has done well, he caught me," Mitchell said. "I have been in with big punchers before, but I made a mistake and I paid for it.

"I will come back from that; it is one off. He got a good shot but I will be back 100%."

Katsidis feels he was rewarded for the hard work he put in ahead of the fight. "I feel I am the best I've ever been," he said. "I've worked hard and been away from my baby girl for three months. I am now going to enjoy my title; I am the world champion."

James DeGale produced a superb finish to defeat Sam Horton in his first effort over 12 rounds. The Olympic champion did not need the full 12 rounds, as he proved too good for Horton. DeGale was sloppy on occasions and admitted after the fight that he was experimenting at times, but the finish cannot be faulted as he caught Horton with a solid left and finished the job with a chopping right.

"It was great," DeGale told Sky Sports. "I will have to go back and watch the video, but I felt good. I am not disrespecting the guy, but I was practicing stuff I have been learning in the gym.

"I want to move on. I am a man on a mission. I want titles, titles, titles. I want to be British and Commonwealth champion and by 2012 I want to be knocking on the door for a world title. I am a man on a mission."

Derek Chisora continued his climb up the heavyweight ladder with a second-round stoppage of Danny Williams who would be well advised to call time on his career after this comprehensive defeat.

Derek Chisora made short work of Danny Williams © Getty Images

Enlarge

Williams offered nothing and never recovered after being caught flush early in the second. He took a count after crashing to the canvas, but it was only a short respite as Chisora continued the assault and the referee stepped in to prevent any further punishment.

"The moments are coming now," Chisora said. "I've got the title and I have to thank my team for it. I am excited. It was a good victory. I have got the British title so let them queue up and try and take it. I want the Commonwealth title and after that I am going for the European and the world. I am knocking on all the doors now."

Billy Joe Saunders made it six wins from as many fights with a gritty success over Andy Bilton. Saunders was making his comeback from injury and was taken the distance, but never looked in any danger and secured a huge points victory.

Big things are expected of Frankie Gavin and he made it seven wins on the spin with a first-round stoppage of Gavin Tait.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.