Michael Katsidis Eyes Amir Khan Fight!

[Lazarus]

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Michael Katsidis is targeting a possible April-May return to the ring after his brave loss to Juan Manuel Marquez, with British boxing superstar Amir Khan high on his New Year wish list.

Katsidis earned plenty of kudos for his performance in a ninth round stoppage loss to Marquez in their lightweight world title bout in Las Vegas on November 27, less than six weeks after the death of his brother, leading jockey Stathi Katsidis.

He dropped Marquez in the third round before running out of energy and being worn down by the great Mexican boxer.

A rematch with Marquez is one option Katsidis would like to pursue, while another is a possible move up a division to challenge Khan, the 24-year-old WBA light welterweight champion, who has a 24-1 record.

Katsidis is well know to British boxing fans, having scored exciting wins over Graham Earl and previously unbeaten Kevin Mitchell in WBO interim lightweight title fights in England.

Khan held onto his title with a close unanimous points win over Argentinian Marcos Maidana in another dramatic bout earlier this month.

Katsidis-Marquez has already been awarded fight of the year status by The Ring and American cable television network HBO, with Khan-Maidana voted second in the Ring poll.

"I believe that (Katsidis-Khan) is a fight would absolutely fill anywhere in England, and that's a fight that would be watched all over the world and it makes a great fight," Katsidis' manager and trainer Brendon Smith told AAP.

"Michael is two out of two in England and whether Amir Khan takes that into consideration and whether he wants to try and square up for the Pommies...he may have his own agenda.

"At the moment Michael is taking a little bit of time with his family, of course to grieve, but at this stage we'd like to set for April or May.

"We'll weight it all up over the next few weeks after the break. It maybe back in Australia, it may be England, it may be back in the States, we'll see what makes the most sense for him."

He said Katsidis had pulled up well from his battle with Marquez.
"He had a little bit of bruising around the eyes and a small cut, but he wasn't hurt badly in the fight," Smith said.

"He was just spent emotionally. He did a wonderful job under the circumstances.

"However, I don't feel Juan beat us. We all know what we (Katsidis) had to deal with leading up to the fight."

Smith didn't expect the loss to Marquez to affect the marketability and career prospects of his popular scrapper and if anything thought the performance would enhance his reputation.

"Michael's stocks are going up, he's won a lot of hearts around the world and he deserves it," Smith said.

"He's never in a dull fight and he gives it 100 per cent. People aren't worried with a win or a loss, they just love a great fight.

"He's had a wonderful career. He's won four out of his seven world title fights, he's won two out of three in Las Vegas.

"He's had an incredible run and it's not over yet. I believe he's still gaining and getting better."

Khan Vs Katsidis in MEN for Khan's homecoming fight anyone?

[sportofkings]

Its a decent fight, i wouldnt mind seeing it

[Right Hook]

Sure weren't they meant to fight already?...khans camp claimed Katsidis was out-pricing himself, and Katsidis camp said Khan was ducking him and the famous quote from then was "Show us your balls" [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] could be an ok fight, though Katsidis is coming off a loss and would almost certainly be expected to move up in weight for the fight...i think it'd be better if they met at 137.5

[mani0]

John Murray should call him out it would be a great fight for him seeing as Katsidas is a touch below world class, a win would definitely get him propelled to the big fights.

[Squire]

After the Maidana fight I'd like to see Khan fight the winner of Bradley-Alexander, and failing that fight an opponent who isn't a stylistic nightmare for him for a second fight in a row. I see the appeal of this fight though...

[hagman1989]

ill be honest forget amir , i just dont wanna see katz take a pummleing in a fight he soimply cant win , imo

if hes looking to cash out then a fight vs khan in england isnt a bad way to go . for me not an exciting fight but is a very good stop gap if the bradley/alexander winner is next

[Earl-hickey]

Katsidis would get Mullered, he's like Maidana but a lot worse.

[Right Hook]

Originally Posted by Ten Tron

Why would Khan fight at a catch weight? He is a 140lb fighter, If Katsidis wants to move up he should fight Maidana, Trying to land a fight with Khan in the UK for a payday at a catchweight when you just go the living day lights beaten out of you by Marquez makes no sense.

If this fight is made it will be at 140lbs and Katsidis will have to take a massive cut in pay because his stock has fallen mightily since his devasting loss to Marquez.

Most of Khans professional career was at 135...hes had very few fights at 140.

Marquez is a much better boxer than Khan, I like Katsidis, hes scared to fight nobody...and I dislike the way khan tries to get people to move up in weight to fight him, as if hes some legendary ATG or Hall Of Famer.

Theres other fights I'd rather see for Khan at 140 like Paul McCloskey or a rematch to avenge his humiliating defeat at the hands of Prescott.

[hagman1989]

Originally Posted by Right Hook

Most of Khans professional career was at 135...hes had very few fights at 140.

Marquez is a much better boxer than Khan, I like Katsidis, hes scared to fight nobody...and I dislike the way khan tries to get people to move up in weight to fight him, as if hes some legendary ATG or Hall Of Famer.

Theres other fights I'd rather see for Khan at 140 like Paul McCloskey or a rematch to avenge his humiliating defeat at the hands of Prescott.

so you even beleive what you type?

[theboy_racer]

Originally Posted by Ten Tron

Dont get me wrong Katsidis is a good B/C level fighter, But I just cant stand people looking to earn a payday in a fight in which they are clearly overmatched and have no chance in winning.

Michael Katsidis brother died, He just lost to Marquez, I think Katsidis needs to take some time out of boxing to consider his future, He has taken alot of punishment in his chequered career.

Agree

I've no desire to see Katsidis take another beating after the JMM fight.

[thewinfella]

Fact is ...........

What is the more marketable option ?? Khan Katsidis or Khan Peterson

For me its a no brainer , that said as a fan of the sport im not sure Katsidis brings anything to the table after being soundly beaten by a fading Marquez , so why not the big push for Khan Marquez ??? , again it seems like a no brainer , GB were more keen on Khan Marquez than they were Maidana , and if Marquez and Beristain would of accepted the fight it would of been done in a heartbeat ........

Im not sure id like to see the younger Khan outwork and overpower the once great Marquez but its certainly a fight id pay to see

Khan Katsidis is also a fight id like to see , and i think in all honesty its a more fan friendly fight than Peterson

Its a smart move from team Katsidis

[Scotty321]

No complaints about khan fighting a lightweight? Both guys should have good homecoming fights. Peterson before the unification fight for amir and katsidis should have a tune up before fighting one of the other mexican belt holders. It would be great to see kats getting some well earned applause from his fellow aussies for a change.

[kosaros]

It's a better opponent for Khan than Peterson.

[mugen82]

Personally i'd prefer Judah, but out of Peterson/Katsidis, i'd choose Katsidis. Peterson just comes across as a glorified loser, somebody who's just gonna do enough to not embarass himself in a big match, whereas Katsidis is an actual warrior who always puts it on the line.

[SuspiciousChees]

Peterson is garbage.

Katsidis will be right in his face all night, Khan can't fight at close range, look what Maidana did to him there.