Rumor: Amir Khan vs Michael Katsidis in July

AMIR Khan could be back in the ring within two months to face Kevin Mitchell’s conqueror, Michael Katsidis.

Khan wants to fight again before Ramadan begins in August after successfully defending his WBA light-welterweight crown against Paulie Malignaggi here in the early hours of yesterday morning.

He has pencilled in July 24 and 31 at London’s O2 Arena but his preferred opponent, Marcos Maidana, is sidelined with a back injury and his US promoters Golden Boy want Katsidis to step up from ­lightweight to face him.

Khan’s dad, Shah, claims he will be ready, despite 11 bruising rounds against Malignaggi on his US debut at Madison Square Garden.

Shah said: “If we get the dates we will do it. It is possible.

“We can get him ready in the short time and then he can have a break after Ramadan. We want him to fight three times a year.

“Amir is already itching to fight again and show the world just how good he is.”

Trainer Freddie Roach would prefer more time to prepare Khan for the ­hard-hitting Katsidis, who destroyed Mitchell in just three rounds at Upton Park.

He said: “If I was getting him ready for a major, major world title fight then July would be too soon, but we can do it.”

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&id=27854

thats a nice fight

i'd like to see how this plays out katsidis will be a nice challenge to test khan's chin although i would have rather seen maidana test it

Be a great test. Make it happen!

I'll go on and pick Katsidis in a spirited fight. Katsidis in the clear opposite of Paulie M, a devastating puncher who can hurt Khan. Khan is clearly the most polished boxer of the two so it should be a good fight though I have Katsidis by late KO.

kudos to khan..wanting to fight soon against strong oposition..ahhh shades of the old days..wonderfull..

Is katsides moving up or is Khan moving down?

hardcoreBEE24 wrote:

Is katsides moving up or is Khan moving down?

Katsidis would most likely move up to Jr Welterweight to challenge Khan. It's only a rumor though, from what I have read Michael really wants Juan Manuel Marquez next.

dmar5143 wrote:

kudos to khan..wanting to fight soon against strong oposition..ahhh shades of the old days..wonderfull..

I agree wholeheartedly. I am tired of the inactivity of today's stars. I wouldn't be enthused with Katsidis as an opponent for Khan if he last fought 6 months ago, as I think Khan will tear Katsidis apart. However for a stay busy fight in front of a large home crowd only 2 and a half months removed from a major fight, I think Katsidis is an excellent choice.