BOXING Burns eating for two ahead of Katsidis bout, writes Richard Wilson

The two fighters are contesting the interim WBO lightweight title at Wembley Arena on November 5 in what will be Burns’ first contest since moving up from super-featherweight. The battle against the scales was becoming unbearable, but Katsidis does not represent a gentle introduction to the higher weight class.

The Australian has been near the top of the rankings for most of his career and his four losses in 32 bouts have come against leading fighters: Joel Casamayor, Juan Diaz, Juan Manuel Marquez, Robert Guerrero. “‘Welcome to lightweight’, Ricky,” Burns smiles. He is not daunted by the prospect of facing Katsidis, a brawler with a dangerous punch and limitless courage.

Having defended the WBO super-featherweight title three times, Burns grew tired of waiting for the fight he wanted, against the South African Mzonke Fana for the Ring belt. The move up in weight, and the contest with Katsidis, have lifted his mood.

“Everybody I’ve spoken to says I look so much healthier,” he says. “And when they’re talking to me, they say I sound so much happier. If I was still at super-featherweight, I would be on a strict regime, I’d be running on empty. So being able to eat a wee bit more, I can concentrate on boxing rather than making the weight. It’s a relief.”

Katsidis represents as much of a step up in class as Roman Martinez, who Burns defeated to win the WBO super-featherweight belt in a fight he was expected to lose. “This is the hardest fight of my career, but it’s going to bring out the best in me,” he says. “Michael Katsidis is never in a dull fight, he’s big, strong at the weight, he’s coming to fight and he’ll be in my face every round. When I know I’m up against it, that’s when I fight my best.”

 

  • Ricky Burns v Michael Katsidis will be broadcast live on Boxnation (Sky platform, channel 456)