The always exciting Australian fighter Michael “The Great” Katsidis 26-2 (21) is claiming that WBA light welterweight champion Amir Khan 22-1 (16) has personally declined the opportunity to fight him.

Katsidis who is the WBO interim lightweight champion and is struggling to get the full champion Juan Manuel Marquez to fight him, said he offered himself as a challenger to the Brit even though it would mean stepping up a weight division.

Katisidis today issued a statement through his management which stated: “I was told that Freddie Roach was willing to accept me as his next opponent for a possible March 27th fight. It is obvious he has the confidence that you can beat me. In addition, the TV networks and the promoters wanted this fight. I was told by those involved that it was Amir personally that refused the fight – the only person that didn’t want it to happen.”

“This is surprising given I am the lightweight and prepared to move up in weight to take him on even when he recently stated his superior speed will out punch me on a scale of three to one.”

This writer cannot understand why Khan will not just take on interim champion Marcos Maidana and then go on from there. It is frustrating that in this day and age a prospect can become a World champion and then pick and choose his opponents.

Katsidis is expected to take on former champion Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz 35-3 (17) on the 27th March in Diaz’ home state of Texas in defence of his interim title although this fight is yet to be officially confirmed. That is a dangerous fight in itself with regards to possible scoring from the judges.

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