Katsidis Trainer - Murray Next up , Roach turn fight down

[tyson]

Katsidis trainer says Murray is next and khan trainer Roach turned Katsidis down as Amirs USA debut opponent http://www.BS.com/?m=show&id=28146

By Mark Vester

According to Michael Katsidis' trainer Brendon Smith, a fight with WBA junior welterweight champion Amir Khan is not likely to happen on July 31 in England. Smith said Katsidis, the WBO's interim-lightweight champion, was turned down as an opponent for Khan's debut in America. Smith thinks the fight is too risky for Khan at this point.

"I really don't see it happening. This is a very risky fight for Amir and one they would not take at this stage," said Smith to the BBC. "There was an opportunity for the two to fight in Amir's US debut, but it was turned by Freddie Roach [Khan's trainer] and instead Paulie Malignaggi was chosen.

"I've spoken to Richard Schaefer [CEO of Golden Boy, Khan's promoters] who likes the idea and would like to do a fight with Katsidis and Khan. There is no better fight in England than Amir Khan versus Michael Katsidis. Can Michael get the hat-trick? Yes he can. Can the fight be made? I don't think so."

The day after Katsidis knocked out Kevin Mitchell, Smith was contacted by promoter Mick Hennessy with an offer to fight John Murray. Smith is interested in the Murray fight and plans to discuss it further if the right kind of money is on the table.

"I was contacted by Murray's promoter Mick Hennessy the day after the Mitchell fight. He reckons they could draw a 20,000 crowd in Manchester," said Smith. "Murray has called Michael out on several occasions, saying Katsidis has not beaten the best in the UK. Fair enough, that's his opinion. Michael loves boxing in England because of the atmosphere and the passion of the fans."

"I've not had an offer put before me, but if the money is right we will travel to Manchester for the fight. The ball is in John and Mick's court on this one."

[Asterix]

I'd love to see Murray get a chance.

[states]

If Meaty Mick can put a deal together for Katsidis to travel over here again and face Murray, I'll be delighted. Forgive me for thinking Hennessey may have oversold this though. Mick has no TV deal, and Murray has been fighting in leisure centres.

Now, with the right promotion, this could be huge. I'm not sure Hennessey can put this together though. With Hatton's help, perhaps he can make this big in Manchester?

[hurlock]

katsidis realises he can build up a good following returning to are shores & force a fight against are no.1 khan.

it makes perfect buisness sense him fighting murray :!: .murray wants it & katsidis will let him have it & id love to see murray suceed.

[lefthook82]

I guess Hennesey can dip into his £5m 'Calzaghe fund' to pay for Katsidis to come over

[Autobarn]

there is no fund. the money comes from TV and the live gate.

[jizzle]

If Meaty Mick can put a deal together for Katsidis to travel over here again and face Murray, I'll be delighted. Forgive me for thinking Hennessey may have oversold this though. Mick has no TV deal, and Murray has been fighting in leisure centres.

Now, with the right promotion, this could be huge. I'm not sure Hennessey can put this together though. With Hatton's help, perhaps he can make this big in Manchester?

There's only three promoters in the UK that can pull a 20,000 gate in Manchester - Hatton, Hearn and Warren.

[alexpaterson]

That would be a very good fight, I think Katsidis would be to strong and expierenced for Murray.

[Jeff Thomas]

I don't like Murrays chances in this one. Thats said I watched Diaz Kats the other daya nd Kats looked a different fighter to the one that beat Mitchell.

[Autobarn]

murray won't met away like mitchell did. i think he can do some damage to katsidis' face, with accurate well picked shots. this would be an amazing fight, if it happens.

the issue is not who would win, but if the promoter will make it happen, as katsidis seems desperate to make his mark in britain.

murray's had 11 very active rounds to prepare him. you might say "buckland is no katsidis", but look what tomasz adamek did vs chris arreola after 12 active rounds vs light hitting jason estrada. a good workout that got him ready for the important fight, in which he took it to another level.

[Khaosai-Galaxy]

there is no fund. the money comes from TV and the live gate.

shhhhhhhh! dont tell anyone about this, its a secret.

[reggaereggae]

I'd love to see Murray get a chance.

What, are you a sadist?