By Mark Vester
According to Michael Katsidis' trainer Brendon Smith, a fight with WBA junior welterweight champion Amir Khan is not likely to happen on July 31 in England. Smith said Katsidis, the WBO's interim-lightweight champion, was turned down as an opponent for Khan's debut in America. Smith thinks the fight is too risky for Khan at this point.
"I really don't see it happening. This is a very risky fight for Amir and one they would not take at this stage," said Smith to the BBC. "There was an opportunity for the two to fight in Amir's US debut, but it was turned by Freddie Roach [Khan's trainer] and instead Paulie Malignaggi was chosen.
"I've spoken to Richard Schaefer [CEO of Golden Boy, Khan's promoters] who likes the idea and would like to do a fight with Katsidis and Khan. There is no better fight in England than Amir Khan versus Michael Katsidis. Can Michael get the hat-trick? Yes he can. Can the fight be made? I don't think so."
The day after Katsidis knocked out Kevin Mitchell, Smith was contacted by promoter Mick Hennessy with an offer to fight John Murray. Smith is interested in the Murray fight and plans to discuss it further if the right kind of money is on the table.
"I was contacted by Murray's promoter Mick Hennessy the day after the Mitchell fight. He reckons they could draw a 20,000 crowd in Manchester," said Smith. "Murray has called Michael out on several occasions, saying Katsidis has not beaten the best in the UK. Fair enough, that's his opinion. Michael loves boxing in England because of the atmosphere and the passion of the fans."
"I've not had an offer put before me, but if the money is right we will travel to Manchester for the fight. The ball is in John and Mick's court on this one."
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