23 years ago

Date: 3rd February 2001

Venue: Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada

Title: WBC & WBA World Super-lightweight Titles

Promoter: Don King Productions

Referee: Joe Cortez

Tv: Showtime

Kostya Tszyu
( 25 - 1 - 0 )
Weight: 139½ lbs

Sharmba Mitchell
( 47 - 2 - 0 )
Weight: 139¾ lbs

On February 3, 2001, in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, a highly anticipated unification bout took place between WBC world super-lightweight champion Kostya Tszyu and WBA titleholder Sharmba Mitchell. This contest not only promised to be a clash of styles but also an opportunity for both fighters to unify the super-lightweight division under Don King Productions, with the event being televised on Showtime.
Kostya Tszyu, hailing from Russia, entered the ring with a professional record of 25 wins and 1 loss, weighing in at 139½ lbs. His opponent, Sharmba Mitchell from the United States, boasted a record of 47 wins and 2 losses, coming into the fight slightly heavier at 139¾ lbs. The fight unfolded with significant expectations due to the contrasting styles of both combatants.

Early in the fight, Mitchell demonstrated superior hand speed and agile footwork, which initially seemed to trouble Tszyu. Mitchell's strategy appeared effective, as he managed to use his mobility to create angles and score points. However, as the rounds progressed, Tszyu's strength and close-quarters tactics began to dominate. Tszyu's physicality was evident as he engaged more aggressively, leading to several instances where Mitchell was physically overpowered and ended up on the canvas. However, these were not counted as official knockdowns.

The pivotal moment of the fight occurred in the fourth round, when Tszyu was penalized a point by referee Joe Cortez for pushing. This action highlighted the physical nature of the bout. Despite this setback, Tszyu continued to apply pressure, which visibly began to wear down Mitchell.
By the seventh round, the toll of the physical fight was clear on Mitchell, who suffered an injury to his knee following one of the many intense clinches and physical exchanges. The injury was severe enough that Mitchell could not continue beyond the seventh round. Consequently, Joe Cortez had no choice but to stop the fight, awarding Tszyu a TKO victory.

This victory marked a vital defence for Tszyu. It elevated his status by unifying the WBC and WBA super-lightweight titles. The fight demonstrated Tszyu's resilience and ability to adapt and overcome in a tough physical contest. For Mitchell, it was a disappointing end to what was a highly tactical and competitive bout until the injury.