Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor
WBN Editor
‘The Great’ open to contest, but states no contact
Contrary to some belief, former interim WBO lightweight
champion Michael Katsidis is not yet considering move up to 147lbs to face Ricky
Hatton on November 24 in Manchester.
A report in a national UK newspaper last week had suggested
that the Aussie was almost a done deal to oppose Hatton on his comeback, which is not the case - although Katsidis’ team have come
out today to reveal that they would be interest in opening negotiations with
Hatton’s representatives.
"At this stage there have been no discussions,” Michael
Tripp, Katsidis’ advisor told BBC Sport.
"But it is something we would consider depending on the
purse and depending on the weight.
"It wouldn't be a problem to fight in Manchester. Michael
has been over to Britain and he's won two world titles over there.
"We have had nothing from their camp at the moment. But
24 November would give us enough time as Michael is in full training at the
moment."
The obvious sticking point as mentioned by Tripp is the
weight that the fight would take place at as Katsidis is a blown-up lightweight
now fighting at light-welterweight, whilst Hatton is thought to be looking at a
comeback sevens pounds higher.
WBC interim champion and former Katsidis opponent Robert Guerrero
recently made a successful leap from 135lbs to 147lbs, but whether the ageing
Toowoomba fighter can do the same, or is willing to, remains the big question.