How quickly things changes in the heavyweight division. Four days earlier, Banks attended the memorial service for Steward, his mentor and father figure since the age of 15. And three days before that, Banks was in Germany working the corner of Wladimir Klitschko - trained by Steward since 2004 - as the heavyweight champion successfully defended his title against Mariusz Wach. Now the 30-year-old Banks (29-1-1, 19 KOs) is in line for a title shot -- possibly against his own fighter, though a shot against WBA beltholder Alexander Povetkin is more likely.
For Mitchell (25-1-1, 19 KOs), it's back to the drawing board. He has the physical tools to be a contender but was exposed - at this point in his career - as far too inexperienced (plus a suspect chin) to compete at anything approaching a world class level.
Comments
One KO loss does not ruin a career. The Boxing immortal Joe Louis suffered a debilitating upset KO loss to a Boxer who had previously lost 7 times in Max Schmeling. Louis was knocked twice in that bout, once in the 4th heat & again for the 10 count in the final round of the scheduled 12 round match. Louis managed to comeback & has been deemed by many as the greatest Heavyweight in Boxing History. If anything, I believe Mitchell came in overconfident & believed he was going to go through Banks easily like a hot knife through butter. But Banks showed boxing fans that he knows how to fight. He brawled with Mitchell in wild brutal exchanges with an educated authority. It’s likely many questioned Louis’ chin after Schmeling thoroughly defeated him, but history proved otherwise. It’s too early to say Mitchell has a glass jaw. You learn mote in losing than in winning & this defeat may wind up being the best thing that ever happened in his career as I doubt he will ever think he the definite winner no matter what whenever he steps through the ropes into the squared circle for the rest of what I believe will be a memorable career in which he will enjoy many future successes. Let’s not give Johnathan Banks his due credit. He’s a seasoned Boer with a fine record. His ledger reads an impressive 29 wins with but one defeat while collecting 19 KOs. Banks sole loss was to the durable and talented Pole who fights out of Jersey City, NJ, Tomas Adamek. That’s no disgrace, nor is it an indication that Banks should have ever been written off. Banks may very well write some Boxing history himself before he evolves into a full-time Trainer. He certainly fought like a savvy veteran as he fought beautifully on the inside in finding his target will well thrown power shots that surely impressed the experienced followers of prize fighting.
Titan’s opinion is confusing-Why not give Banks his just dues and praise-came in as a underdog and knocked out the groomed prospect? kudos to Banks and his late trainer Emmanuel Stewart-who seemed to have the golden touch in traing-bringing out the best in fighters. -trained Wladimir Klitschlo-who after getting knocked out was taught excellant training methods in defensive skills and has not lost a fight since joining up with the late E.Stewart, It appears that Mitchell’s management set up too many creampuff fights and wasn’t ready to take on suck a skilled fighter like Banks and with a record of 29-1 why was he even thinking about giving up a quest for the championship considering his record and age. Too bad Mr. Stewart wasn’t training Gerri Cooney and Jerry Quarry-as bothj had outstanding puching power but lacked defensive skills. If my memory is right I believe Mr. Stewart himself was boxing at the time.May he rest in peace as he was one o the finest trainers in boxing history, a gentleman who pasted on too early in life.R.I.P. Mr. Stewart-I know you must have been looking down from the heavens above still coaching and inspiring Mr. Banks to complete your last assignment.