Home Boxing News Kevin Mitchell: “The Hammer” calls it a day

Kevin Mitchell: “The Hammer” calls it a day

We heard this week that Kevin Mitchell has decided to hang up his gloves from boxing. Nick named “The Hammer” because of his passion for West Ham United, Kevin’s been a professional for 12 years making his debut in July 2003 and winning the British and Commonwealth Titles in 2008

Kevin was due to fight for the European Title later this year but during training in the gym he realised he just wasn’t feeling it and didn’t have enough to go through all the training once more. It was then he decided that was it.

In January of last year Kevin beat Daniel Estrada in eight rounds showing a fantastic display of boxing skills to set up a world title shot against WBC champion Jorge Linares at London’s O2 Arena. However, after a great, gutsy display Kevin was knocked down and stopped by Linares in the 10th round after enduring a bad cut.

In a recent interview Kevin said “I’ve had so many highlights but walking out at The O2 Arena for the Linares fight and hearing the fans cheering for me and seeing ‘Forever Blowing Bubbles’ was just an unbelievable feeling,” added Mitchell. “I’ve always been close to the fight fans both in Britain and around the world, and I want to thank them for all their love and support.
“I’d like to think I was an exciting fighter that gave the fans value for money. I don’t think they make fighters like me anymore, fighters that put it all on the line every time they fight.”

Kevin’s also been lucky enough to have fought at his beloved West Ham United Ground, Upton Park where fellow supporters made their presence known by chanting “East, East, East London” and singing the famous “Bubbles” song.

Photo by Digital Sports Photo/Ringnews24
Photo by Digital Sports Photo/Ringnews24

Eddie Hearn, Kevin’s promoter said “It’s been an absolute pleasure working with Kevin Mitchell over the past few years. The fight against Linares was the stand out for me and without injury I believe Kevin would have become world champion that night. Kevin has been entirely dedicated to the sport under Tony Sims, my only regret is that we didn’t all team up earlier in his career.

“He has a wonderful boxing brain and I truly believe he can go on to be a great coach if that’s the path he wishes to take. He has been a wonderful servant to British boxing and I’m sure all fight fans will join me in wishing him well”.

Photo by Digital Sports Photo/Ringnews24
Photo by Digital Sports Photo/Ringnews24

A career of 43 fights with 39 wins, 29 by way of knock out and 4 losses.