Katsidis responds to Murray Challenge

[TJAY]

http://www.fightnews.com/?p=25499

Katsidis comments on Murray
By Craig Watt

Following the impressive four round stoppage of Jon Thaxton in Altringham, Manchester at the weekend, unbeaten lightweight contender John Murray (28-0, 16 KO’s) from Manchester, England issued a challenge to Australian WBO interim champion Michael Katsidis. He stated after the win: “Jon was the only person in Britain that could challenge me but it’s time for me to move on. Katsidis is on my radar and that’s a fight I fancy.”
In 2006 Murray was awarded the prestigous Young Boxer of the Year Award in the UK and has impressed in his unbeaten run of 28 fights to date and is on the fringe of the world rankings. The win against Thaxton secured Murray the British Lightweight Title and he has ambitions for future honours in the near future.

In a response to the challenge issued by Murray, Australian Michael Katsidis contacted Fightnews direct and gave his response via an open letter on the situation.

He stated:

“I have just heard reports of a challenge coming from John Murray out of England and in return I acknowledge and give this response…

It is with great honour I can acknowledge the oncoming challenges. As champion of the WBO I must honour my commitment to fight against one of the best pound for pound fighters in the sport today, Juan Manuel Marquez. It is my obligation, it is my duty to fight the very best with the highest claim to the title. Other than fighting the best I will not look any further. Although it is hard to look past the experience I had in a packed Wembley Arena when I fought Graham Earl for the World Lightweight Crown. For two years I have dreamt of fighting there again but this time returning with two thirds of the house full of my own fan base. I could hear a needle drop when Graham first hit the canvas in our fight. That night I salvaged a bit of Australia’s pride avenging the loss we had when Kostya Tszyu fell to England’s own Ricky Hatton. Even still it wasn’t too long ago a fight between Ricky and myself was a possible ! One thing is for sure, I fight the best, I look no further than Juan Manual Marquez…. although in the chance there is an opportunity to create a fight that will draw Australia to England’s shores and turn the heads of the rest of the world …. don’t lose my number! You may get your wish ! “

Australian Katsidis impressed in his last fight last month when he secured the WBO interim lightweight title with a points win over Vincente Escobedo in Las Vegas.

[Autobarn]

classy response from katsidis. he didn't say "who the eff is murray", he left things open - even to fight in the UK - and said he wants to fight the best at the weight, marquez.

i don't actually think marquez will come back down to lightweight and fight katsidis.

[jamesmcdonnell]

classy response from katsidis. he didn't say "who the eff is murray", he left things open - even to fight in the UK - and said he wants to fight the best at the weight, marquez.

i don't actually think marquez will come back down to lightweight and fight katsidis.

Why not, he clearly doesn't belong at any higher weight than that.

[Counter-puncher]

classy response from katsidis. he didn't say "who the eff is murray", he left things open - even to fight in the UK - and said he wants to fight the best at the weight, marquez.

i don't actually think marquez will come back down to lightweight and fight katsidis.

agree 100% mate

[teddy007]

Great response from a true warrior.

[Autobarn]

classy response from katsidis. he didn't say "who the eff is murray", he left things open - even to fight in the UK - and said he wants to fight the best at the weight, marquez.

i don't actually think marquez will come back down to lightweight and fight katsidis.

Why not, he clearly doesn't belong at any higher weight than that.

i don't know, 37 yo, with a slowing down metabolism, who blew himself up (making it harder to come down), who plans to make millions v ricky hatton...

i like katsidis' attitude a lot. he'll fight rugged brits (earl), classy champs (casamayor > marquez?), he'll fight tough ex champs (jesus chavez, juan diaz) and prospects (escobedo > murray?):

win or lose, the guy just loves to fight.

[Chambers2]

Classy response from Katsidis, I'd be surprised to him fight JMM next (but I'm regularly wrong) I reckon JMM will go for a belt in his 4th weight-class, which would leave the path clear for John Murray to step in. My fingers are crossed because it'd be a barnstorming fight between Murray and Katsidis

[Autobarn]

yeah, in boxing you expect to hear someone say, "Why should I, what's in it for me?" as opposed to "don’t lose my number! You may get your wish !"

[Tommy Gunn13]

Katsidis-Murray thats is a fight id love to see,hope it does come off...
cant see JMM fighting him at lightweight..so hopefully........

[Autobarn]

yeah, great fights vs earl, amonsot and also casamayor

you can tell he just loves to get stuck in - "the great katsidis" is a good nickname, as he is a very good attraction in boxing.

[states]

I can only agree with everyone saying Katsidis is a classy guy. Get Murray in with Mezzache or Romanov, then try for Katsidis in 12-18 months or so. It's got all the makings of a classic.

[alexpaterson]

Great response didnt rule anything out kept all his options open. I really hope this fight does go through as it would be a flat out war I would rather Murray fight Juan Diaz

[Old bones Ian]

As of September ratings the WBO had neither Murray or Thaxton in the top 15, and seeing as this was Thaxtons 3rd loss in a row against Murray I wouldn't expect John to be getting into the top 15 yet.

Alex Arthur is in at No6, not sure whats going on for him at the moment, but a fight against Murray would be a good one.

[Adamj1987]

hope the fights comes off over here but i dont think it will and i think he'd too much of a name to face murry without having better offers first

[Londonirish]

Great Mature Response

[Autobarn]

hope the fights comes off over here but i dont think it will and i think he'd too much of a name to face murry without having better offers first

it's interesting that when murray won 3 of 4 british level fights, he became european mandatory. surely if he beats 2 or 3 euro level fighters - mezaache, romanov, kristjansen - then he'll probably get ranked by some of the world sanctioning bodies. this should enable him to fight katsidis, IMO.

[JSA]

Pity theree aree not more like Katsidis in boxing. Never stood for protecting his precious 0(wheen he had it),always comes to fight and is ,as the above response shows,all class. what a champion bloke.
Not seen Murray fight but reading above somee suggest he would not be ready for Katsidis yet. Hypothetically if they weree to fight and indeed he is to green at present then i take my hat off to him for seeemingly wanting to walk the path of boxing that Katsidis has done.good on him.

[Phenomenal-Nutrition]

Marquez would school and KO Katsidis, I favour Murray over Katisdis but its a closer call

[Wales]

Marquez would school and KO Katsidis, I favour Murray over Katisdis but its a closer call

Probably the best chance of getting Kastidis here (or even a bout with him over there) is him losing to Marquez.

[Autobarn]

Marquez (vs Mayweather) and Barrera (vs Khan) got fat and sold out.

What was it that Julius Caesar said: something about all those ruthless skinny blokes, and so surround me with fat people so there are no threats near me. Shakespeare probably worded it with much more poetry than came across in my paraphrase.

My point is Marquez has sold his p4p ranking, he has enjoyed eating what he wanted to eat in preparation for his last fight, and he has enjoyed the big money that came with a successful PPV fight. He's bloated now and he won't go through the chore of making lightweight ever again.

I don't buy it that he's going to come down in weight and fight Katsidis. He'll fight Ricky Hatton or one of the light welter champs.

Lightweight is now for the ruthless, hungry, thin fighters. I expect Humberto Soto to become the top man pretty soon and grab the WBA strap. He's had a nice run of it as WBC 130 titleholder and he'll come up and batter that guy who knocked out the mexican prospect (antillon). I can see Murray taking the WBO route toward that exciting slugger Katsidis, a real test at this stage. Can see this Antonio Demarco going for the WBC title, etc.

Marquez could likely beat Katsidis. But Katsidis gave an old Casamayor one hell of a fight. If Marquez ever did come back down, he'd be at that stage that Casamayor was at, when Katsidis fought him.

[My Name Is Earl]

http://www.fightnews.com/?p=25499

Katsidis comments on Murray
By Craig Watt

Following the impressive four round stoppage of Jon Thaxton in Altringham, Manchester at the weekend, unbeaten lightweight contender John Murray (28-0, 16 KO’s) from Manchester, England issued a challenge to Australian WBO interim champion Michael Katsidis. He stated after the win: “Jon was the only person in Britain that could challenge me but it’s time for me to move on. Katsidis is on my radar and that’s a fight I fancy.”
In 2006 Murray was awarded the prestigous Young Boxer of the Year Award in the UK and has impressed in his unbeaten run of 28 fights to date and is on the fringe of the world rankings. The win against Thaxton secured Murray the British Lightweight Title and he has ambitions for future honours in the near future.

In a response to the challenge issued by Murray, Australian Michael Katsidis contacted Fightnews direct and gave his response via an open letter on the situation.

He stated:

“I have just heard reports of a challenge coming from John Murray out of England and in return I acknowledge and give this response…

It is with great honour I can acknowledge the oncoming challenges. As champion of the WBO I must honour my commitment to fight against one of the best pound for pound fighters in the sport today, Juan Manuel Marquez. It is my obligation, it is my duty to fight the very best with the highest claim to the title. Other than fighting the best I will not look any further. Although it is hard to look past the experience I had in a packed Wembley Arena when I fought Graham Earl for the World Lightweight Crown. For two years I have dreamt of fighting there again but this time returning with two thirds of the house full of my own fan base. I could hear a needle drop when Graham first hit the canvas in our fight. That night I salvaged a bit of Australia’s pride avenging the loss we had when Kostya Tszyu fell to England’s own Ricky Hatton. Even still it wasn’t too long ago a fight between Ricky and myself was a possible ! One thing is for sure, I fight the best, I look no further than Juan Manual Marquez…. although in the chance there is an opportunity to create a fight that will draw Australia to England’s shores and turn the heads of the rest of the world …. don’t lose my number! You may get your wish ! “

Australian Katsidis impressed in his last fight last month when he secured the WBO interim lightweight title with a points win over Vincente Escobedo in Las Vegas.

Seen a few interviews by Katsidas and the bloke is quality. The fight landing in Blighty would be strong favourite imo. Kats well known over here and a sellout would be assured.
The scrap itself could possibly be decided by the best cutsman.

[jamesmcdonnell]

Marquez (vs Mayweather) and Barrera (vs Khan) got fat and sold out.

What was it that Julius Caesar said: something about all those ruthless skinny blokes, and so surround me with fat people so there are no threats near me. Shakespeare probably worded it with much more poetry than came across in my paraphrase.

My point is Marquez has sold his p4p ranking, he has enjoyed eating what he wanted to eat in preparation for his last fight, and he has enjoyed the big money that came with a successful PPV fight. He's bloated now and he won't go through the chore of making lightweight ever again.

I don't buy it that he's going to come down in weight and fight Katsidis. He'll fight Ricky Hatton or one of the light welter champs.

Lightweight is now for the ruthless, hungry, thin fighters. I expect Humberto Soto to become the top man pretty soon and grab the WBA strap. He's had a nice run of it as WBC 130 titleholder and he'll come up and batter that guy who knocked out the mexican prospect (antillon). I can see Murray taking the WBO route toward that exciting slugger Katsidis, a real test at this stage. Can see this Antonio Demarco going for the WBC title, etc.

Marquez could likely beat Katsidis. But Katsidis gave an old Casamayor one hell of a fight. If Marquez ever did come back down, he'd be at that stage that Casamayor was at, when Katsidis fought him.

Time will tell, but he's clearly too small for 140 or above.

[black panther]

Marquez (vs Mayweather) and Barrera (vs Khan) got fat and sold out.

What was it that Julius Caesar said: something about all those ruthless skinny blokes, and so surround me with fat people so there are no threats near me. Shakespeare probably worded it with much more poetry than came across in my paraphrase.

My point is Marquez has sold his p4p ranking, he has enjoyed eating what he wanted to eat in preparation for his last fight, and he has enjoyed the big money that came with a successful PPV fight. He's bloated now and he won't go through the chore of making lightweight ever again.

I don't buy it that he's going to come down in weight and fight Katsidis. He'll fight Ricky Hatton or one of the light welter champs.

Lightweight is now for the ruthless, hungry, thin fighters. I expect Humberto Soto to become the top man pretty soon and grab the WBA strap. He's had a nice run of it as WBC 130 titleholder and he'll come up and batter that guy who knocked out the mexican prospect (antillon). I can see Murray taking the WBO route toward that exciting slugger Katsidis, a real test at this stage. Can see this Antonio Demarco going for the WBC title, etc.

Marquez could likely beat Katsidis. But Katsidis gave an old Casamayor one hell of a fight. If Marquez ever did come back down, he'd be at that stage that Casamayor was at, when Katsidis fought him.

Time will tell, but he's clearly too small for 140 or above.

I agree, he was a soft looking 142 for Mayweather....I know seven pounds is a lot for a lightweight but I still feel he can make it and at this stage of his career its his best weight. I mean the guys really a featherweight - he's only had 5 fights above featherweight and 2 at lightweight! And in his last appearance at featherweight, he was 1 and half pounds under the limit. That hardly suggests he was "tight" at the weight. I feel he only moved up from featherweight to chase Pacquiao. Marquez is one of my favourite fighters of recent times. I hope if he carries on he does himself justice and I was a bit gutted he didn't get the third fight with Pacquiao - I had him winning both their fights.

[Autobarn]

Marquez (vs Mayweather) and Barrera (vs Khan) got fat and sold out.

What was it that Julius Caesar said: something about all those ruthless skinny blokes, and so surround me with fat people so there are no threats near me. Shakespeare probably worded it with much more poetry than came across in my paraphrase.

My point is Marquez has sold his p4p ranking, he has enjoyed eating what he wanted to eat in preparation for his last fight, and he has enjoyed the big money that came with a successful PPV fight. He's bloated now and he won't go through the chore of making lightweight ever again.

I don't buy it that he's going to come down in weight and fight Katsidis. He'll fight Ricky Hatton or one of the light welter champs.

Lightweight is now for the ruthless, hungry, thin fighters. I expect Humberto Soto to become the top man pretty soon and grab the WBA strap. He's had a nice run of it as WBC 130 titleholder and he'll come up and batter that guy who knocked out the mexican prospect (antillon). I can see Murray taking the WBO route toward that exciting slugger Katsidis, a real test at this stage. Can see this Antonio Demarco going for the WBC title, etc.

Marquez could likely beat Katsidis. But Katsidis gave an old Casamayor one hell of a fight. If Marquez ever did come back down, he'd be at that stage that Casamayor was at, when Katsidis fought him.

Time will tell, but he's clearly too small for 140 or above.

he definitely is too small. however, i fear this will not stop him. when you get to 36, 37, making even your natural weight is hard.

marquez definitely is a true feather/super feather, went too far. even at lightweight he looked bulked up and a bit slow - despite brilliant results. welterweight was a ridiculous move and his promoters used him to get a piece of mayweather. but when you muscle up it is hard to come back down. marquez wants another big payday and if he can get it vs hatton, i think he will choose hatton over katsidis.

for whatever reason, i fear marquez is no longer a factor at lightweight. i stand by what i said. marquez has had his great days, and it's time for bloated fights, bloated paydays. can't see him having more than one more fight anyway.

marquez-katsidis would be exciting, but i think lightweight is for the Sotos, Acostas, Valeros, Demarcos, Katsidises and Murrays.

marquez has become a fat mexican and will remain a fat mexican. no fat mexicans at lightweight.

[chesh]

Marquez (vs Mayweather) and Barrera (vs Khan) got fat and sold out.

What was it that Julius Caesar said: something about all those ruthless skinny blokes, and so surround me with fat people so there are no threats near me. Shakespeare probably worded it with much more poetry than came across in my paraphrase.

My point is Marquez has sold his p4p ranking, he has enjoyed eating what he wanted to eat in preparation for his last fight, and he has enjoyed the big money that came with a successful PPV fight. He's bloated now and he won't go through the chore of making lightweight ever again.

I don't buy it that he's going to come down in weight and fight Katsidis. He'll fight Ricky Hatton or one of the light welter champs.

Lightweight is now for the ruthless, hungry, thin fighters. I expect Humberto Soto to become the top man pretty soon and grab the WBA strap. He's had a nice run of it as WBC 130 titleholder and he'll come up and batter that guy who knocked out the mexican prospect (antillon). I can see Murray taking the WBO route toward that exciting slugger Katsidis, a real test at this stage. Can see this Antonio Demarco going for the WBC title, etc.

Marquez could likely beat Katsidis. But Katsidis gave an old Casamayor one hell of a fight. If Marquez ever did come back down, he'd be at that stage that Casamayor was at, when Katsidis fought him.

Time will tell, but he's clearly too small for 140 or above.

He was certainly too small for a full welterweight PBF, but the two reasons for him to fight at light-welter would be either a huge payday against Hatton (also a winnable fight despite the size disparity) or the chance to become the first Mexican 4-weight champ (ahead of Chavez, MAB and Morales).