Kevin Mitchell says he wants Aussie power-house Michael Katsidis.
Mitchell will make the first defence of his WBO Intercontinental lightweight title on Frank Warren's blockbuster show at Wembley Arena on February 13, following a faultless performance over Amir Khan conqueror Breidis Prescott earlier this month.
And the Dagenham Destroyer knows that victory could pave the way for a clash with the WBO Interim champ Katsidis, who may even have the full WBO belt before long if current champion Juan Manuel Marquez decides to vacate.
Katsidis was last seen on these shores in 2007 in a barnstormer against Mitchell's former gym-mate Graham Earl.
"I'm ready for Katsidis right now," stormed 25-year-old Mitchell.
"He's a great fighter and he's well known in the UK after his war against Graham Earl a few years ago.
"He is a dangerous opponent, but when my bombs start landing I'm going to be even more dangerous for him.
"He can crack a bit but I can take a better shot than Earl and I can hit harder as well.
"If I stand in front of Katsidis and have a war I'll beat him, but I can out box him as well and do a proper job on him just like I did against Prescott.
"Everyone said that was going to be a tough fight and I was going to get knocked out, but I made it look easy in there and I'll do the same against Katsidis.
"I showed against Prescott that I belong at world level, and by the summer I want that world title wrapped around my waist."
Mitchell, who will be facing a world-rated opponent on February 13 when he headlines the card and is currently ranked number one by the WBO, already has his sights set on a world title chance by May.
"I can't take anything for granted in this next fight, but ideally I'd like to face Katsidis early in the summer," he said.
"He's been to the UK before and I'm sure he'll come here again, but unlike last time he won't be going home with the title. Earl had him rocking early on and let him off the hook, but I'll wallop him good and proper."
From FrankWarren.tv
So you would not be in favour of Katsidis giving Smith the bullet for someone like Roach?
I'd be in favour of it, but I really don't think it would work out. It'd be like Hatton-Mayweather Sr. all over again - Katsidis is too stuck in his ways, and Roach would want to change him completely.
Then again, nowadays Kats does have some regard for defence, as opposed to Hatton... Maybe Roach could still fix him up.
Not ironic at all - Mitchell himself is always saying how much he enjoys a good scrap, and it's evidenced from his willingness to take a lot of shots in there. However, Graham Earl also liked a fight... and we saw what happened to him. Without bias, I think Kats has a style that ruins careers.
For a long time I was wondering about that too, but I've come to realise that they are almost like a father-son team when it comes to boxing. Smith might be a prick ("Bayooodiful, Moikal!"), but I think he's doing a good job with the lad. Look at how close they are on this vid.
At this stage in his career, Kats would probably be lost without him.
So you would not be in favour of Katsidis giving Smith the bullet for someone like Roach?
Yeah i see it as a 50/50 fight to. Ironically i reckon Mitchell is more likely to getting dragged into a war than Juan Diaz.
Not ironic at all - Mitchell himself is always saying how much he enjoys a good scrap, and it's evidenced from his willingness to take a lot of shots in there. However, Graham Earl also liked a fight... and we saw what happened to him. Without bias, I think Kats has a style that ruins careers.
I cant believe Katsidis has not sacked Brendon Smith yet, that guy is clueless.
For a long time I was wondering about that too, but I've come to realise that they are almost like a father-son team when it comes to boxing. Smith might be a prick ("Bayooodiful, Moikal!"), but I think he's doing a good job with the lad. Look at how close they are on this vid.
At this stage in his career, Kats would probably be lost without him.
it mitchell decided to stand and go to war then katsidis would beat him i think - katsidis would be too poweful. saying that, king breidis coudn't KO him, so you never know.
good to see mitchel is stepping it up now.
His jaw was fine. Rather, he's been busy being a new daddy. :smile1:
True, but that was a gunshy and confused Katsidis in there against Diaz. He didn't have any plan on how to properly box a guy, nor did he seem to want to let his hands go - most likely because of the Casamayor loss.
He's improved a good amount since then, and both him and Mitchell take a lot of shots flush, so this fight is 50/50 as far as I see it. Someone's getting KTFO. But I'll pick Kats for the win, just because he's my boy.
Yeah i see it as a 50/50 fight to. Ironically i reckon Mitchell is more likely to getting dragged into a war than Juan Diaz.
I cant believe Katsidis has not sacked Brendon Smith yet, that guy is clueless.
Do want. Should be a hell of a fight if it ever happens. I'd back Mitchell, but Katsidis has the tools to knock anyone out. Mitchell would be smart to box Katsidis and mix it up only when clear opportunity presents itself.
I think Katsidis is still recovering from a jaw injury from his last fight
His jaw was fine. Rather, he's been busy being a new daddy. :smile1:
if Juan Diaz can outbox then i dont see why Mitchell cant.
True, but that was a gunshy and confused Katsidis in there against Diaz. He didn't have any plan on how to properly box a guy, nor did he seem to want to let his hands go - most likely because of the Casamayor loss.
He's improved a good amount since then, and both him and Mitchell take a lot of shots flush, so this fight is 50/50 as far as I see it. Someone's getting KTFO. But I'll pick Kats for the win, just because he's my boy.
Mitchell faces Willie Limond next.
I think Katsidis is still recovering from a jaw injury from his last fight and is waiting to see if Marquez will fight him.
I agree with you guys, would be a great fight, could be a real war. :boxing:
Yeah I think a war is what it will be. I'd tip Kev to knock him out or win on a UD.