Kevin Mitchell (left) in action against Felix Lora their bout at York Hall, London.

Mitchell set to go head-to-head with former sparring partner.

Dagenham’s world title challenger Kevin Mitchell may be good friends with WBO World Lightweight Champion Ricky Burns, but insists they can forget their friendship and put on one of the most brutal fights in recent years when they meet next month.

The pair clash in the big domestic showdown on Saturday September 22, at the SECC in Glasgow, live and exclusive on the BoxNation TV channel with Mitchell is looking to finally win the world title before his rival’s army of Scottish fans.

He admits the champion, who he has sparred with in the past is a good friend: “You can’t beat Ricky’s personality, he’s a lovely man and a mate of mine.

“We genuinely get on well and there won’t be any trash talking just to build up the fight. But once we get in the ring we fight, that’s our job.

“I’ve wanted this fight for a long time now and Ricky has given me the chance. I’m determined to win it, but I know I’m in for a hard night’s work.”

It was the same before Kevin Mitchell’s domestic lightweight clash with rival John Murray in July last year, he said that he and Murray were good mates from their amateur days

They met at the Liverpool Echo Arena with Mitchell putting on his best ever performance to stop the previously unbeaten Murray in the eighth round to win the WBO Intercontinental Lightweight title.

That set him up for the chance against top Scot Ricky and he promises they will be friends again, after they settle superiority at the SECC.