I would put it down to Kats has seen everything Murray will throw at him and most times has shown he can deal with it. While Murray will be in with a different fighter to anything he has fought on his record.
Why a rabbit in headlights? Murray has never looked lost in the ring, he's pretty much a cyborg. He does the same thing, sometimes it works more effectively than other times. Against a slick mover like Hamidi it doesn't look so good, and against McAllister early, against other foes it works from the get go. It would basically come down to which fighter can outlast the other one, which can push the other back, and which can show better defence.
Katsidis is worse than Murray, that isnt to say I think Murray is world class, he isnt but neither is Katsidis. Katsidis has proven to be a tough gatekeeper type that lets you know how good you are. He is tough, good chin, physically good but an open defense, wide punches and not too much power. Murray has the better defense of the 2 and punches straighter and more deliberately.
Not lost, i just dont see him getting going, if this took place now. Though in a years time, a whole lot could change.
I seem to remember a lot of people on here dismissing Froch in this manner.(to slow,crap footwork etc).Murray has to but improve but he will.He like so many British fighters is not progressing as fast wed like but that is down to promotion.Murray has beaten what has been put in front of him and is unbeaten.For my money he has shown improvement in his recent bouts and theres a lot to like. Murray has heart and drive,throws plenty of ammo and looks like he would walk through walls if needed.He has plenty of miles left on the clock and i think he will provide lots of entertainment for us in years to come.He has limitations yes,but he has like Froch the attributes that will see him progress to a fair level IMO.
I don't think its the mismatch its made out to be either. Katsidis is more proven and experienced, but thats a double edged sword considering the tough fights he's had and Murray's relative freshness. There is no noticeable advantage for Katsidis in skills, I think Murray has the better defence and punches a lot straighter if anything. I also notice Murray's guard is quite wide which will see off a lot of Katsidis's hooks. The only thing that would concern me about the fight is Katsidis's strength. Murray is strong, he's always been the stronger man in the ring, if the tables are turned I'm not sure how he'd react if he had to concede ground.
Good fight if Murray really wants to prove he can step up in class, Katsidis would be his hardest test yet. Both would go all out, who would be the last man standing?
I think Katsidis wins this, i don't think Murray can handle constant pressure Katsidis brings for 12 rounds, big jump from fighting a shot Thaxton to Katsidis.