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Burns stuns Katsidis with controlled performance

Phil D. Jay 
WBN Editor
Scot becomes interim lightweight champion

Coatbridge fighter Ricky Burns is the new interim WBO lightweight champion of the world after a textbook defensive performance over former two-time belt holder Michael Katsidis at Wembley Arena.

The 28 year-old started well, keeping the Australian at bay with his jab and continued in the same manor in a disciplined display and caught the judges eye with the cleaner punches on the night.

Katsidis, 31, looked easy to hit at times and although he worked for every minute of every round, was denied the decision 117-112 and 117-111 (twice) on the judges’ scorecards to hand Burns the belt.

A couple of the rounds I handed to Katsidis on work rate alone meaning my card scored it a draw and on reflection, I was maybe a little too keen to give the hardworking ‘Warrior’ the benefit of doubt despite Burns catching him with the better shots.

The Scots' victory could see him defend the belt against stablemate Kevin Mitchell at some point in 2012.

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