According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, WBO Super Featherweight champion Ricky Burns has vacated his title to move up to face Michael Katsidis for an interim Lightweight belt on November 5th in England.
I’m motivated by challenges and facing a top name like Michael Katsidis has really got me excited,” Burns said. “He’s been in the ring with some of the best in the business like Juan Manuel Marquez and he’s well known to the fans (in England) after his wins against (Graham) Earl and (Kevin) Mitchell.
“Katsidis comes to have a war, but so did Roman Martinez when I won the world title. Against a fighter that comes to have a fight, I put on my best performance.”
“The time is right for me to move up a division as I have been making (130 pounds) for years and it was getting more and more difficult, so when the opportunity to fight Katsidis for the (interim) title came up it was an offer I didn’t want to miss,” Burns said.
“He’s seen what Katsidis has done to Earl and Mitchell over here so he’s got to really prepare for him,” Said Frank Warren, who will promote the bout. “Katsidis, who comes in (wearing a) gladiator (costume) and fights like one too, has got a perfect record against the Brits so Ricky could cause a big upset.”
“England is like my second home now and it’s great to come back to the Wembley Arena where I had a fantastic battle with Graham Earl,” Katsidis said. “I’ve beaten the two English guys in Earl and Kevin Mitchell, so now Scotsman Ricky Burns is stepping up to fight me and I’m looking forward to the challenge.
“Ricky’s a good strong world champion at (junior lightweight), but he’s in for a whole new world against me. He’s never faced anyone like me who will be coming at him all night, constantly throwing punches.”
