By Mark Vester
WBO interim-lightweight champion Michael Katsidis and trainer/manager Brendon Smith are steaming over the WBO's possible new ruling to allow Juan Manuel Marquez, the WBO's full lightweight champion, more time to fight them. Marquez is tentative to return in May in Las Vegas and there are reports that he will be the first person on Ricky Hatton's list for a comeback.
Smith does not believe the reports in Mexico that state Marquez was given more time. He tells BoxingScene.com that Katsidis is ready to fight Marquez on May 1 at the MGM Grand.
"I am sure this will turn out to be made up somewhere and not true, however I have sent a letter to Paco [WBO president] but have not received a response yet, due to the Christmas break," said Smith to BoxingScene.com.
"The WBO, Golden Boy, HBO television and Juan Marquez all know Michael is available for May 1 at the MGM. I am confident this fight will take place! If not and Marquez fights anyone else then he will be stripped!"
Katsidis told BoxingScene that Marquez needs to do the right thing and give up his title if he plans to fight at junior welterweight. He thinks the lightweight division would be hurt by Marquez holding on to the title and staying up at the higher weights for bigger money fights.
"I am sure Juan Marquez will not be a w**ker about all of this. I know he would not be trying to get another grant from the president. I don't believe it. He does not come across as that sought of bloke and I am sure he is not a greedy man. But if i am wrong, and he does not want to fight in the lightweight division and wishes to go up and campaign again in the higher weights, then he should do the right thing and let it go so the rest of us lightweights can get on with it," Katsidis told BoxingScene.
"If he fights up in weight one more time, we all know he is not coming back to lightweight after that. He may even retire. That is another reason why I do not believe this rumor, as what an awfull long hold up in the lightweight division it would create. I know the WBO, promoters, managers, boxers in the division and the public would not want this to happen. So just a little message to Juan from me! You were granted once to go up in weight to fight, now do what you are supposed to do and fight me or let it go, plain and simple! We have enough w**kers in the world mate, don't become one yourself and be the champion you are. I look forward to saying hello May 1."
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