King eager to take shot at Katsidis
A TOWNSVILLE boxer isn’t just thrilled to be getting in the ring with Gold Coast-based Australian boxing star Michael Katsidis – he believes he can cause an upset.
North Queensland slugger Josh King, a former WBO Oriental champion and reigning Asia Pacific titleholder, will fight Katsidis in an eightround bout scheduled for March 11 at the Rumours venue in Toowoomba.
It will be 36-year-old Katsidis’ first fight since he recorded a points win against a Filipino no-name in Melbourne two years ago.
King, who has been calling out the former multiple world titleholder and US prime time favourite for years, said the opportunity against Katsidis had reignited his hunger.
“To say I’m excited to fight Michael Katsidis is an understatement,” King said.
“Michael has had an incredible career with some of the best fights any Australian has ever been in and a win over him would be a huge highlight for my career.”
King’s trainer Johnny Lindgren said it was a mustwatch national bout between two “likeable blokes”.
“Katsidis is a legend in Australian boxing and has matched it with some of the greats on the biggest stage including fighting for world titles in Las Vegas.
“With much respect to Michael’s past achievements … I’m very confident Josh will come out the other side of this fight with this hand raised.”
The pair will fight for the World United Championship belt in honour of Katsidis’ close friend Brayd Smith. He died aged 23, days after suffering a brain bleed in a hardfought 10-round loss to Filipino John Moralde in Toowoomba two years ago.
Katsidis, training under Smith’s father Brendon, said: “Of the world titles I have won, this World United Championship will be the most valuable.”
– RYAN KEEN