Katsidis fireworks could ruin Burns' night

On paper there’s little doubt that this Saturday night will be the toughest of Ricky Burns’ career. Scotland’s former world featherweight champion moves up in weight – and in class – to face Australia’s fearsome Michael Katsidis for the WBO strap.

Katsidis is well-known to UK fight fans, having destroyed home favourite Kevin Mitchell inside three rounds at a partisan Upton Park back in May, 2010. That night Mitchell, who later claimed that significant personal problems undermined his preparation, had no answer to the trademark ferocity of Katsidis and was brutally dispatched. 

Burns will enter the ring in Wembley Arena an underdog, and it’s perfectly understandable. Katsidis has been in with names such as Robert Guerrero, Juan Manuel Marquez and Joel Casamayor. Whilst unsuccessful, he tested them all with his power and all-action style.

The Scot is new to lightweight, and though he insists he’ll be stronger for not having the discomfort of having to boil down to an unnatural weight class, he’s not faced anyone as heavy-handed as the Australian.

But to rule Burns out altogether would be a foolish move. Critics insist he lacks the power to fend off Katsidis as he marauds forward. But he’s never relied on power. He’s a clever fighter, schooled by the canny Billy Nelson. Nelson always has his man in tip-top condition and if the fight goes into the later rounds, it will be familiar territory for Burns.

He’s no stranger to the underdog status either. Arguably his greatest night came in September last year when he took on the reigning, and unbeaten, WBO strapholder Roman Martinez. Recovering from a disastrous first round knockdown, Burns outlasted the Puerto Rican with a display full of energy and heart to claim a unanimous decision.

He’ll need every ounce of energy and every bit of guts if he’s to get the win on Saturday.

But don’t bet against him shocking the world again.

Ralph Welch

@ralphwelch