Brian Mitchell will be in the unfamiliar position of cornerman when Roarke Knapp challenges Bakary Samaké for the WBC Silver junior middleweight championship in Paris on Friday night.
The celebrated former world champion, who boxed Daniel Londas in France 38 years ago, flies out on Tuesday to assist Vusi Mtolo.
Although Mitchell has spent recent months focusing on Knapp’s defense, he could arguably be more valuable as a quasi-psychologist getting into Knapp’s head. Mitchell was the ultimate road warrior in the 1980s and 1990s, able to block out baying home crowds and foreign pressures to carve out a remarkable championship run.
Forty thousand fans are expected to be at the La Defense Arena to cheer on Samaké, who is equal parts young, strong and hungry.
“I’ve already told Roarke that at 26 he has no business getting beaten by a 21-year-old,” quipped Mitchell, who last worked a corner over 25 years ago.
“This is the biggest fight of Roarke’s life, an opportunity that doesn’t come along often. He must grab it with both hands. It won’t be easy: the local guy is strong, undefeated and Roarke will be fighting away from home.”
Mitchell has studied videos of the Frenchman. He says he is a strong, come-forward fighter, but not the equal of Knapp in terms of speed and skill.
“Roarke has the talent to pull it off,” said Mitchell, who has spent the months since Knapp’s shock upset loss to Jorge Garcia Perez polishing his defence.
“It’s all about keeping the left hand up. Roarke is a brilliant fighter, but guys in his division can crack. You can’t afford to float your hands, as he used to do. He’s tightened up a lot, and his workrate is good. I’m hoping we see as much on Friday. A win could be life-changing, which is why [promoter] Rodney Berman wanted me to get into his head.
“In big fights, a lot of guys go into survival mode. But that’s not enough. I boxed in front of big Mexican/American crowds several times and the crowd goes quiet if you are winning. The crowd can be a factor, but ultimately it will be just him and his opponent in the ring. Roarke has won 18 of his 20 fights; there’s no reason he can’t produce another win. It will be tough, but he has the ability. His mindset will be crucial.”
