Jayde Mitchell pens long-term promotional pact
JAYDE Mitchell has secured his long-term future, penning a lucrative promotional pact with Hosking Promotions.
The world rated super middleweight, who has featured in 11 title fights since turning professional in 2014, is on the cusp of securing an inevitable world title opportunity.
After weeks of negotiations, Mitchell (19-1, 10 KOs) has signed a five-fight deal with the regional Victorian outfit, best known for grooming capable duo Jason Moloney and Andrew Moloney for world level pursuits.
With the dust settling on a successful Bendigo showcase last month, Hosking speaks proudly, having secured his first marquee signing of the year.
“Jayde and I have been friends for years, and I’ve followed his career closely,” Hosking told Aus-Boxing.
“He had a good thing going and we weren’t aligned in a professional capacity, but he’s 33 years old and I wanted to give him that opportunity.
“It’s an interesting one because we’ve been friends, but I want to help him get to where he needs to be.”
Having already faced a plethora of domestic opposition in his punch-for-pay career so far, including the likes of Kerry Foley, Aaron Lai, Nader Hamdan and Les Sherrington, Hosking envisions more mouth-watering fights for Mitchell on a televised platform.
“I think he’s right at the top of the tree, even though there’s other guys in his division,” he added.
“The problem is none of them will fight each other, but Jayde’s mentality is the opposite. He’s respectful, which I like, but he wants to fight those guys. From our end, we’d fight them all. Hopefully we’ll see that over the coming year.
“We’ve already had big domestic fights between guys like Tim Tszyu and Dwight Ritchie, what a fight that was. We’re starting to see these local fights with TV back on board, but it’s also due to the promoters with vision.
“The fighters will fight anyone, hopefully the managers look at the bigger picture. Even if their guys lose, it’s not the end of the world, they can dust themselves off and have another crack.
“When you look at it, there aren’t many fighters like Jayde, who have took on all comers since day dot. He fought Aaron Lai in his second fight, he’s beaten tough guys like Nader Hamdan and Kerry Foley as well.”
Mitchell made his first appearance for the year last weekend, halting Ibrahim Tamba to open his account for the year. This is something Hosking plans to rectify in the coming months, starting with a televised date in November.
“I want to keep him active and I want those big Aussie fights for Jayde,” he explained.
“But worst case scenario, I’ll continue to get the best international opponents, with the right titles and rankings, we want that world title shot.
“We’re running out of time, and that’s why I’m getting behind him. The rest is up to him, but that’s my mission. That’s what really attracted me to him promotionally. He wants to fight the best, not be put in cotton wool.”
The Peninsula-based super middleweight is eager to close out his 2019 campaign with momentum, as big fights continue to circle the talented switch-hitter.
“We plan to hit the ground running as I’m currently sitting at eight in the world with the WBC,” concluded Mitchell.
“I believe that Hosking Promotions will invest in the correct opponents to earn my shot at a world title instead of waiting to be picked, so I’m best prepared for success.
“It’s not only my personal relationship with Lynden, it’s his vision for the sport, growing it in Australia as well as the growth of his promotional business.
“Fighting on live television is a massive factor for me, and I’m grateful for this opportunity to headline live televised events on a consistent basis. It doesn’t get bigger.”
Photo: Marty Camilleri
