British lightweight Kevin Mitchell has said that opponent Ismael Barroso should be wary of his power, rather than the Londoner being fearful of his opponent's knockout ratio.
The pair meet in a final eliminator for Anthony Crolla's WBA title at London's O2 Arena on Saturday night, with Barroso considered dangerous having won his last nine bouts inside five rounds.
However, Mitchell, who is looking to earn a third world title chance, has stressed that he is capable of inflicting his own early stoppage as he looks to secure an all-British showdown with Crolla.
The 31-year-old told Sky Sports News: "He's got a punch but you're alright being a puncher against the opponents he's been in with. When you're against world-class opposition it's different. I've knocked world-class opposition out.
"The best in the division - Linares - I nearly chinned him. Everyone knows I should be champion. I've banged out some world-class fighters I don't think any of them hit harder than Breidis Prescott anyway.
"If Ismael Barroso catches me, I'll deal with it. I'm 31 and a strong, tough man now. I'm not a 25-year-old kid who's been out on the booze for four or five months. I train differently, live differently and you'll see me deal with Barroso in a mean fashion."
Mitchell has won 39 of his 42 matches in the paid ranks while Barroso is unbeaten in 20 outings, with 18 wins and two draws.
Darren Plant
