July 18, 2010
“Using the power of decision gives you the capacity to get past any excuse to change any, and every, part of your life in an instant.” ~Anthony Robbins
As Kevin Mitchell savours Saturday’s thrilling victory over John Murray, he would do well to reflect on two key moments that changed the course of his career, and indeed his life.
The first of these moments occurred approximately six months ago. Slumped in an East End bar, and by his own admission £100k poorer after an eight-month drinking binge, the Dagenham man was trapped in a downward spiral of depression.
His relationship with Amanda, the mother of his two children, had disintegrated and seriously upset the preparations for his world title tilt against Australian Michael Katsidis in May 2010. Mitchell kept his home turmoil secret from trainer Jimmy Tibbs until moments before the fight. Tibbs watched on powerlessly as his under-prepared charge duly suffered a brutal KO in front of his adoring West Ham public.
Humiliated and heartbroken, Mitchell joined the long list of sportsmen who sought solace in alcohol – and found none.
At that particular moment, Mitchell was confronted by his parents, estranged for many years, but united in their concern for their son. The story goes that Mitchell was dragged from the premises and given an ultimatum: give up drinking or give up on everything you’ve worked so hard for.
Mitchell listened and made a choice.
It was the right one.
He reunited with Tibbs, the man who’d guided him so carefully to the brink of global recognition. Still upset about what had unfolded in the dressing room before the Katsidis fight, Tibbs laid out the terms for their reconciliation; all or nothing. No booze, no distractions. Total dedication.
Fast forward six months to Saturday night at Liverpool ’s Echo Arena. Mitchell once again found himself on the brink as he returned to his corner after a fifth round mauling at the hands of rival John Murray.
The unbeaten Mancunian had dragged Mitchell into a dogfight, exactly what the Londoner had hoped to avoid, and was winning. Another big round could force a stoppage. A stoppage that would launch Murray
Unlike his battle with alcohol, this particular moment of truth offered no time for lengthy introspection. Mitchell had less than 60 seconds to make two choices: Did he have the mental strength to recover from adversity? Was he ready to place his faith in the tutelage of Jimmy Tibbs?
The answer was emphatic.
Mitchell’s trainer sent him out with a clear message; follow the gameplan. Do what you do best. Box behind the jab and out manoeuvre Murray
A huge seventh round was swiftly followed by a ruthless start to the eighth as Murray, who’d not been hurt in his previous 31 bouts, visited the canvas for the first time in his career. And from the jaws of defeat, Mitchell snatched victory.
The general belief is that at sport’s highest levels, where physical prowess is all but equal amongst the top competitors, the difference between victory and defeat can be in the mind.
On Saturday night, Kevin Mitchell showed the boxing world reserves of mental strength that many doubted he still possessed.
And we were happy to be proved wrong.
Ralph Welch
Follow on twitter: @ralphwelch
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