Kevin Mitchell set to fight John Murray in the summer

Kevin Mitchell Kevin Mitchell will finally get it on with domestic lightweight rival John Murray in the summer after withdrawing his threat to retire from the ring. Essex boxer

Mitchell was due to fight Manchester's Murray in April but pulled out after a pay dispute with promoter Frank Warren. Mitchell, 26, was stopped in three rounds by Australian Michael Katsidis in his most recent fight last May.  Murray, also 26, is the European champion and unbeaten in 31 pro fights. "I thought Mitchell had bottled it once and for all when he turned down the opportunity to fight me last month," said Murray, also a former British champion.  "But I am glad he has finally put pen to paper as this fight has been a long time coming and, apart from the world title, this is the only meaningful challenge left for me in the UK."

Dagenham's Mitchell, himself a former British and Commonwealth champion, said: "Murray's done well but he hasn't faced me yet and, if he had, we wouldn't keep hearing about his unbeaten record. "I was 31-0 too, with more stoppages than him, until I lost out in my 32nd fight, which he will too. Personally, I hope this fight takes place in the East End so I can show my legions of fans that last year was a one-off and Kevin Mitchell is back."
Warren said: "Like James DeGale v George Groves [for the British super-middleweight title on 21 May] this is another fantastic fight that I am so pleased to be able to stage this summer.  "Finally the big fights are being made and like the winner of DeGale v Groves, the winner can look forward to a world title challenge in the new season."

The date, venue and undercard will be announced at a later date.