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Smith: English boys are using Katsidis, they want no part of him

Phil D. Jay 
WBN Editor
(Smith (left) with Katsidis, pic by Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun)
Manager says ‘The Great’ will fight anytime, anywhere

Brendon Smith, the trainer and manager of top-ranked light-welterweight contender Michael Katsidis (28-4, 23 KO’s) has hit back at claims by Frank Warren linking his fighter Kevin Mitchell (32-1, 24 KO’s) with a rematch against his man in the near future.

 Mitchell, 26, who lost in three rounds to Katsidis in May 2010 at his beloved Upton Park, has constantly been touted for a return bout with the Toowoomba fighter and even more so since he got back to winning ways against John Murray last month, who himself has also been linked with Katsidis in the past.

The Ring Star Promotions chief believes that English fighters are constantly linking themselves with fights against Katsidis to enhance their reputations on the world stage and help move them on their way to getting a shot at the world title.

“I can say as Michael's manager that this is highly unlikely (that Mitchell will rematch with Katsidis) as we have already had an offer of $100,000 dollars from Frank Warren,” Smith told World Boxing News.

“As I have mentioned many times before, I don’t believe that Frank or Kevin want this fight and this was confirmed once the offer was made. However, calling Michael's name once more has given good publicity to Kevin.

“There has been numerous call out's for Michael through John Murray ,Graham Earl, Amir Khan and Kevin Mitchell with all fizzling out but not from our part. 

“It is plain and simple and I am not being disrespectful, but the English boys don’t want any part of Michael except for calling his name to promote themselves.

He continued; "Michael loves to fight in England and has many fans. He loves the passion of the crowds, whether they are for him or against him.

“He will travel, but does anyone in England really want to fight him! That's the big question.

“If you have someone please pass on my email as his bags are packed - he will go anywhere for a good fight! What's Ricky (Hatton) up to?”added Smith jokingly.

Katsidis, 31, is on the back of his first victory at 140lbs, stopping Michael Lozada in three rounds after campaigning for most of his career at lightweight where he gained the interim WBO title.

The tough Aussie has been linked with a bout against the winner of the Erik Morales v Lucas Matthysse WBC title bout on September 17th and is thought to be a contender to be Amir Khan's last fight at light-welterweight in December.

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