Hammer time! Kevin Mitchell lands dream Upton Park bout against lightweight rival Michael Katsidis

By Sportsmail Reporter
Updated: 10:18 EST, 17 March 2010

West Ham supporter Kevin Mitchell will fulfil a lifetime ambition by fighting for the interim WBO lightweight title at Upton Park on May 15.

Dagenham fighter Mitchell secured the shot at Michael Katsidis with quality wins over Colombian's Breidis Prescott and Ignacio Mendoza in his last two fights.

Promoter Frank Warren managed to bring the fight to England and confirmed today boyhood Hammers fan Mitchell, 25, will meet the Australian dangerman at Upton Park.

'I grew up watching West Ham play and if I hadn't been a boxer I would have been a footballer,' said Mitchell, who has won all of his 31 professional fights.

'I think one of my proudest moments was being introduced to the fans down here before a game the other week and getting an amazing reception.

'But now I'm going to be fighting here and I still can't quite believe it.

'The fans in the East End are very special people, and to get the opportunity to fight in front of them is a dream come true.

'Boxing and football are a way of life around here, and I think you are going to see an amazing event on May 15 with everyone turning out to see it.'

Promoter Warren is anticipating an 'historic occasion'.

He said: 'There is a long history of boxing in the East End stretching back to the days of Ted 'Kid' Lewis.

'But Kevin has got the chance to do what none of the great East End fighters did, and that's fighting for a world title at Upton Park.

'The response from all over London has been fantastic. We've waited a long time for a London fighter who can fill stadiums, and Kevin can be that man.

'If he beats Katsidis then you are going to see more big fights at West Ham.

'I can promise you that May 15 is going to be an atmospheric and historic occasion.'