Jellied eels are a huge favourite in the East End

Dagenham lightweight Kevin Mitchell is using his fight against Ignacio Mendoza at Wembley Arena on 13 February to raise publicity for the plight of an East End favourite... jellied eels.

Reports suggest that the eel population in the River Thames has dropped by up to 98% in the last five years.

And unbeaten East Ender Mitchell has vowed to do his bit to help them avoid extinction, by giving up the dish ahead of his clash with Spaniard Mendoza.

Mitchell and Tibbs are massive fans of jellied eels

"I usually get stuck into a plate of jellied eels on a Friday after a tough week in the gym with my trainer Jimmy Tibbs," said Mitchell, who is the WBO's number one ranked contender.

"It's my little treat after working hard, but I've now decided to stick to pie 'n' mash instead.

"Jellied eels are an important part of East End culture, and it's vital they don't die out.

"All the cockneys out there who love eating eels need to cut down a bit to sustain the population, me included.

"The East End wouldn't be the same without them, and if my next fight can help save them then that's great."

606: DEBATE Will Mitchell be too slippery for Mendoza?

Victory for 25-year-old Mitchell, who has a perfect 30 fight record, will see him close in on a crack at WBO interim world champion Michael Katsidis.

But before that he will have to beat 26-year-old Mendoza, who has five defeats, two draws and 27 victories from his 34 fights.

Mitchell though believes the plight of the eel is more of a cause for concern than his own chances of defeat on 13 February.

"The only things up for extinction are Mendoza and Katsidis," added Mitchell.

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