Does former WBA/IBF 130 pound champ Brian Mitchell deserve to be in the International Boxing Hall of Fame?

Question

He set a division record 12 defenses as WBA champ before capturing the IBF title, making all those defenses in the other guy's hometown because of South Africa's then apartheid policies.

Answer 1

he was a good champion and solid boxer, but never beat any big name opponents. watched him a couple of times when I was younger, nothing stood out why he should be considered alongside the all time greats, but was well rounded and well prepared for his fights.

Answer 2

he made 12 defenses on the road before capturing the ibf belt from the respected tony "the tiger" lopez, and retiring....making a brief comeback a few years later.

the fact that mitchell never fought azumah nelson, jeff fenech, barry mc guigan or j c chavez is not his fault and he shouldn't be penalized for it.

to answer your question sir, yes i do believe he belongs in canastota.

mc guigan only had 4 world title fights, (plus a non title fight with former champ la porte), and he was inducted, while mitchell had 14 would title fights (12-0-2), so definitely he should.

Answer 3

Yes I believe that Brian Mitchell is deserving of being in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Answer 4

A great fighter, a modest champion, and an excellent ambassador for South Africa.

Sure, in the Hall of Fame with the other champions of his calibre.

Answer 5

Probably not. But you remember a superb and forgotten fighter. I saw him easily beat Tony the Tiger Lopez in the Arco Arena, and realized that I had seen true talent. No super powerhouse, no speed ball, no hot dogging showman, just  a master craftsman, doing his job and winning a share of the belt. IBF lightweight, I recall. Wonderful fighter. On second thought, he belongs up there as much, more, than many who are in there now. He was a class act.