Juan Marshall/ProAmFightTalk

By Alejandro “Alex” Burgos

On Saturday, September 7, 2013, Seth “Mayhem” Mitchell faces his toughest challenge to date when he faces Chris “Nightmare” Arreola at the Fantasy Springs Casion in Indio California, on a special edition of ShowtimeBoxing.

Mitchell’s imposing physique would lead most people to believe that he can run through a brick wall—which very well may be the case. But in boxing—as we’ve seen time and time again—it’s not always the biggest, most muscular fighter who has the last laugh.

Turning pro in 2008, Mitchell’s undefeated run came to a screeching halt in November of 2012 when he fell to tough, but unheralded Heavyweight, Johnathon Banks.

Mitchell was knocked down three times en-route to a second-round TKO loss. And just like that, people labeled him “another over-hyped American [Heavyweight].”

To his credit, Mitchell was gracious in defeat, worked on his craft and came back in June of this year to defeat Banks in a rematch. The rematch was not an exclamation point win for Mitchell, but he did do enough to avenge the first loss of his career.

Mitchell now finds himself in a make-or-break fight against a man who much like him, needs a big, convincing win.

Has Mitchell worked on his deficiencies enough to be considered a serious threat in the Heavyweight division? Can he defeat a rugged, heavy-handed puncher desperately in need of a victory like Arreola?

Read on for three keys to victory for Seth Mitchell against Chris Arreola.

[tps_title]The Jab is Your Best Friend[/tps_title]

Al Bello/Getty Images

A stiff, active jab should be at the top of Seth Mitchell’s list of weapons. The use of a good jab will not only be effective in helping maintain a comfortable distance for Mitchell, but it will also setup his overhand right.

Chris Arreola’s game plan will likely consist of pressure, pressure and more pressure. He is comfortable coming straight at his opponents, so Mitchell must keep him at bay with a consistent jab and give him a reason to rethink walking straight in.

Mitchell must make sure to throw jabs with gusto, not just lay them out lazily for show. A weak jab will give Arreola the opportunity to counter and land any number of powerful punch combinations.

A serious jab will make Arreola consider head movement and coming forward from different angles, which will make him expend more energy.

[tps_title]Don’t Be Afraid to Hold[/tps_title]

Hogan Photos

Chris Arreola sports an impressive 79% knockout ratio. It’s obvious the guy can punch just as well as he can talk trash.

Because Seth Mitchell has had trouble taking shots from less formidable power punchers, Arreola’s power should be a serious concern.

If Mitchell is indeed hit hard, he should not try to go head-to-head with Arreola and retaliate with his own big punches. Mitchell needs to remember that this is a 12-round championship bout, which means that patience can pay off.

Mitchell’s game plan should be to use his athleticism and box and punch to victory. If he gets hit hard, he can’t be afraid to hold until his head is clear.

[tps_title]Stamina[/tps_title]

A 12-round fight filled with aggressive jabs, athletic movement and mental toughness can only be described as tiring. Because these aforementioned keys are important to Mitchell’s success, his conditioning has to be top notch.

On top of his own strenuous offensive game plan, Mitchell must be prepared to defend against Arreola’s onslaught, especially in the earlier half of the fight, given the fact that Arreola has promised a knockout within six rounds.

Speaking with Boxing Scene earlier this week, Arreola said, “It won’t go past six. I am going to bring the heat up his ass.”

If Mitchell’s stamina is where it should be, the “heat” Arreola speaks of will be a little more manageable.

[tps_title]Prediction[/tps_title]

Stay tuned to Round By Round Boxing for our staff predictions later this week.