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Katsidis back down to 135lbs, talks Hatton and US U-turn

Phil D. Jay 
WBN Editor
‘The Great’ aiming for another world title

Exciting fighter Michael Katsidis has a renewed focus after deciding to head back to the lightweight division after a brief hit and miss move up to light-welterweight.

The 32 year-old from Toowoomba, who was linked to a clash at 147lbs against Ricky Hatton lately, is concentrating on competing in his most successful division to date - 135lbs, but won’t rule out a fight with the ‘Hitman’ in years to come.

“With my exciting style and never say die attitude a fight with Hatton is one the fans want to see as our styles match up really well and we both know the other is very dangerous,” Katsidis told World Boxing News.

“My team know that I would love to fight in England again against the world’s best, however things never really progressed beyond initial talks because my team and I also agree that lightweight is my division.

“I am only 32 years old and was having trouble gaining the bulk required to move up weight divisions,” he explained. “I have never really stopped training however now that I am back in Australia with a new team and I am in serious gym training.

“It's clear I will be chasing that third world title in the 135lb division.”

Katsidis had line up a fight in the US after moving there full time earlier this year, although a scheduled ESPN clash with Darley Perez on August 10 fell through when ‘The Great’ picked up a knee injury.

“I enjoyed my time in the US, but I found that I was not focussing on fighting to the degree necessary to win another world title.

“Sometimes the distraction was simple day to day living challenges that everyone has, but as an athlete you want to be focussed on boxing, sticking to the plan and completing quality gym sessions.

“I came back to Australia to see my family and took the opportunity to check out some options. I couldn't be happier with the team I have got here in Australia. I am feeling great inside and out of the gym. I am training the house down and feel really excited about the future.”

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