IT WAS not the war Mitchell Whitelaw had in mind - but the opportunity to fight on the Jeff Horn undercard on Saturday night was too good to shun.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
So the 24-year-old Nambucca Heads excitement machine said 'hell yea' to taking on Isaac Hardman of Brisbane at just a week's notice.
The light heavyweight bout is set for six rounds at the Bendigo Stadium, and will be broadcast by Fox Sports Main Event. Headlining the card is former world champion Jeff Horn versus Michael Zerafa.
Mitchell 'the White Lion' Whitelaw told the Guardian accepting the bout on such short knowledge wasn't ideal - but posted on his Facebook account #anyoneanytimeanywhere.
Mitchell's opponent, Hardman, trains out of Horn's camp and is relatively inexperienced but no mug.
He has a background in UFC and has had just four engagements as a pro boxer for as many wins.
Mitchell is respectful and undaunted. "I've only just started back in full training though I've been in maintenance mode," he said.
"I'm confident but I'm a realistic man and the only thing that is going to stop me is fitness."
Mitchell's trainer, Ian 'Sparra' Stapleton, harbours no doubt.
"Fitness won't be a worry because we've been training for 10 (rounds) and this is six," Sparra told the Guardian.
"He's (Hardman) a big puncher but he looks a bit loopy (with his arms). If Whitelaw moves well and pressures him we'll be right."
Mitchell's sparring mate, Mitchel Stapleton, is also toey to step between the ropes in what will be his debut as a professional boxer, despite turning pro two years back.
Opponent after opponent has bailed on him, so Mitchel 'the Dynamite Kid' is frothing to finally get it on at the Seagulls Club at Tweed Heads on September 14 when he'll face Beenleigh's Chris Hunt.
Hunt has had just the one fight as a pro, for a loss, so it's a good match for the Nambucca Heads 20-year-old in a welterweight contest.
Anyone chasing tickets for the fight can contact Sparra on 0439 021-690.