Ricky Burns’ decision to abandon his super featherweight belt – and with that, a date on HBO – proved to be a wise gamble. The Scot immediately made his presence felt in the lightweight division on the strength of his upset win over Michael Katsidis in their 12-round main event at Wembley Arena in London, England.
Michael Katsidis out-thrown? Yes, Ricky Burns averaged 84 punches per round, landing 18 per round to Katsidis’ 80 per round (landed 16). They combined to throw 1975 total punches, landing 417. Burns was more efficient with his power shots and averaged 46 jabs thrown per round.
Wembley Arena, London - Gary Corcoran (1-0) picked up his first professional victory with a comfortable points win against Billy Smith on his debut as he kicked off the 'Gladiator' bill at Wembley Arena. The light welterweight comprehensively defeated his experienced opponent as he dominated throughout to take the fight on the referee's card 40-36. Corcoran went in search for a debut knockout victory in the fourth round but couldn't manager it as Smith held on. Corcoran stepped up the pressure and dished out the punishment in the last round to secure a comfortable debut win.
Ricky Burns will trust in his instincts when he meets Michael Katsidis for the interim WBO lightweight title at Wembley Arena tonight.
On Friday, Dean Powell spoke to BoxNation, Sky channel 456, to inform Steve Bunce and Andy Kerr that Michael Katsidis, Ricky Burns, George Groves and Paul Smith all looked fit and well when making weight for FWP’s Bonfire Night show at Wembley Arena.
By Cliff Rold - The U.S. television market has its share of sporting choices on Saturday. On the gridiron, Dr. Kellen Moore will be surgically carving up UNLV en route to the NCAA record for quarterback wins while Alabama and LSU will be show how much more fun it is when both teams can play. The NASCAR Nationwide series goes to Texas Motor Speedway. The NBA…yeah, still nothing. How can Lebron choke in a fourth quarter without bringing his talents to the first three? In the ring, fans with access to all available English and Spanish language broadcasts could have as many as six broadcasts to choose from. Even if one is without Wealth TV, ESPN Deportes, Azteca America, and Fox Deportes, HBO and Showtime still come through with two highly anticipated cards. It’s a lot of boxing to go around. It’s not enough. Ironically, with all those cared, no U.S. network is scheduled to air what may end up the fight of the week. It is relegated to the YouTube wish pile.
By Jake Donovan The weigh-in for Saturday’s big Boxnation card – headlined by the lightweight fight between Michael Katsidis and Ricky Burns – will be streamed live from Wembley Arena on Boxnation’s website (www.boxnation.tv) as well as Youtube and promoter Frank Warren’s website (www.frankwarren.tv), beginning today at 2PM London time. First to the scales will be the main event fighters Katsidis and Burns, followed by the evening’s chief support bout between undefeated super middleweight prospect George Groves and divisional trialhorse Paul Smith. Weigh-in results for the entire undercard will also be streamed live as well, including a middleweight clash between Gary Boulden and unbeaten Billy Joe Saunders, who served as a member of the 2008 UK Olympic boxing squad.
By Jake Donovan - Drama was averted at the scales Friday in London, as all fighters made weight for the blockbuster Boxnation telecast Saturday evening, which airs live from the Wembley Arena at 10:00pm local time. The show is headlined by the 12-round lightweight bout between Michael Katsidis and Ricky Burns. At stake is an interim title that can prove to be a lucrative bargaining chip in the next few weeks. Both fighters came in at the divisional limit of 135 lb. (9 stone, 9 pound), but required some extra effort from Burns (32-2, 9K). The former super featherweight champ is moving up in weight for this fight after struggling to shrink his 5’10” frame down to the 130 lb limit, turning down a trip to the states for what would’ve been an HBO-televised title defense against Adrien Broner. Apparently making 135 lb wasn’t much easier, as he and his team were on the scales moments before the weigh-in, stripping down to his birthday suit to ensure he was on weight. He was on weight for the official checkpoint, although he remained on the scale in a moment of confusion before being instructed to jump off. Katsidis (28-4, 23KO) made weight seemingly with ease, as the visiting Aussie is always in superb condition.
Michael Katsidis insists Amir Khan is motivated only by money and will continue to avoid a showdown.
The officials have been named for Saturday’s lightweight fight between Michael Katsidis and Ricky Burns, which takes place at Wembley Arena in London, England. Veteran referee Phil Edwards of the United Kingdom will serve as the third man for the 12-round lightweight bout. The three judges are John Stewart of the United States, Andrew Van Grootenboul of Belgium, and Britain’s own Terry O’Connor.