Boxing World

Kerry Kayes, CNP Professional
I really fancy Ricky Burns, it is his time, and we know he can dig deep and take a punch. He has been rocked before and come through, so I think he’ll win. Burns

Wayne Elcock, Professional Boxer
I think that Ricky has always done things the hard way and that will put him in good stead as he really does have a solid foundation behind him. He truly deserves to really give Michael one hell of a fight, but I’m not going to let my heart rule my head on this one as I know how dangerous Katsidis is, and also know he doesn’t mind going into someone else’s back yard for a tear up. Ricky has good boxing skills yes, but it’s sometimes Ricky’s willingness to also want to go in the trenches that makes me believe that he will get caught late on, and go the same way as many of Michael’s previous victims. I hope I’m wrong as Ricky is great for British boxing but unless he has something up his sleeve that does not involve getting involved in a tear up, I really cannot see him pulling this one off, and eventually being worn down. Katsidis

Callum Johnson, Professional Boxer
I think it’s a real good exciting fight, Katsidis is a very strong and dangerous fighter who is capable of knocking anyone out. However, I feel Ricky has the tools to keep him off, and Burns is also strong himself, so I’m picking Ricky on points. Burns

Scott Quigg, Professional Boxer
Burns vs Katsidis is a very tough fight for Ricky. I know he’d outgrown the super featherweight division, but to jump in at lightweight with a very big strong one like Katsidis is a very big ask. Burns is a very nice boxer but he’s not thought of in the class of Katsidis, and I don’t think he has the power to hurt michael which he would need to do so to keep him at bay for twelve rounds. I see Katsidis as the winner around rounds 6-7, but hopefully I’m wrong as I wish Ricky all the best, and would love him to pull this off. Katsidis

Johnny Eames, Professional Boxing Trainer
I think Ricky could win this one, he’s a very underestimated fighter and I think that Katsidis may have had one hard fight too many. Burns

Kevin Campion, Professional Boxing Trainer
Burns vs Katsidis is an interesting bout. Burns shows he can outbox people and Katsidis hasn’t been the same since the Mitchell bout. But I see Katsidis walking Burns down and bullying him. I think Katsidis will treat it as a last roll of the dice and really go for Burns. Katsidis by KO in the 6th. Katsidis

Mark Tibbs, Professional Boxing Trainer
I think Ricky Burns wins by stopage in the later rounds. Ricky will be consistently accurate and will mark Katsidis and cut him up, Having said that, Burns will have to weather a few storms on the way, but I know he’s mentally strong enough to deal with Michael Katsidis. Burns

Ian Napa, Professional Boxer
Micheal Katsidis is a very tough assignment for Burns, but he has a lot more in him as age is on his side, and he’s been in less career damaging fights. I think it will be very tough for Burns in the early stages, but as long as he sticks to his boxing he should be victorious. On the other hand, looking back at Burns when he took on Carl Johanneson, he was hurt and dropped by body shots, so you’ve got to think to yourself can he can deal with that raging bull style of Katsidis who can punch too? In this one I go for Katsidis because in every fight he fights hard and never gives up. His style is designed to beat fighters like Burns who is tall, and not hard to hit. Katsidis

Spencer Fearon, Boxing Promoter
Call me nuts but I think Burns will win on points. Burns

Ashley Theophane, Professional Boxer
Michael Katsidis has fought some of the best fighters at 135lbs. He has only lost to the elite in the sport. The only chance I give Burns is if he gets a hometown decision. After ducking Adrien Boner, I think Team Burns are hoping Katsidis is past it. Katsidis

Phill Fury, Professional Boxer
It should be good fight and a step up for Burns, but I think Katsidis is too good and will wear Burns down for a late stoppage. Katsidis

Chris Steel, Professional Boxer
I think Katsidis has been in with the better opposition and he’s relentless, so I think he will win a UD. He has the experience at lightweight and Ricky is just moving up. The weight will make a difference. Katsidis UD, but I hope I’m wrong. Katsidis

John McCallum, Professional Boxer
It’s a very hard fight for Burns, personally I would have boxed Broner because he is still young and would have opened me up to the Americian market. It really just depends which Katsidis turns up, he is going to be very strong and dangerous in the first half of the fight. Being Scottish, and a friend of Ricky’s, I want to see Ricky pull it off either by late stoppage or points win. Burns

Tom Early, Professional Boxer
It all depends on which Ricky Burns turns up on the night, I think we shall see another clinical display as we did against Martinez. Box clever and don’t get involved in a war. You never know how strong Ricky will be at lightwieght. Burns

Kyle Hit’em Whitham, Professional Boxer
Katsidis will be too strong for Burns. He will cut him down inside five rounds. Hope Burns pulls it off though, but I can’t see it. Katsidis

Philip Gill, Professional Boxer
Michel Katsidis is one of my favourite fighters, and he will take a stoppage win in the middle rounds. Ricky is a brave and talented fighter, but Mick is too big and too strong. Katsidis

Jamie Wood, Amatuer Boxer
Katsidis is the stronger and tougher guy and will dominate. Ricky Burns is a class fighter but will not be strong enough to hold him off. Katsidis

Olivia Goodwin, Goodwin Promotions
Unfortunately I can see only one winner, Michael Katsidis. Ricky Burns exceeded all expectations when defeating Rocky Martinez, but this is just a step too far. Katsidis to win with a late stoppage or on points. Katsidis

Matt Yanofsky, Knock out Publicty
I’m taking Katsidis. Burns hasn’t fought anywhere near the level of competition that Katsidis has, and that will be a huge factor. Katsidis is a name worldwide, Burns is a decent European fighter. Katsidis by a bloody decision. Katsidis

Gareth Thompson, Match Maker
I have met Burns a few times and he is a really nice guy. Although he has a nice boxing style and skills, I think Katsidis is just more of a gladiator (like his ring intro lol) and will bring that wee bit more to the table on the night. I’d love to see Burns win but would have to put my money on Katsidis. Katsidis

Paul Butlin, Professional Boxer
I think if Burns keeps it long and sticks to his boxing with a nice tight defence, he will win on points. If he doesn’t, and gets in to a fight, it could be a bad move. He needs to work behind a double jab, and throw lots of fast combinations, leading possibly to a late finish. Burns

Bradley Skeete, Professional Boxer
This is gonna be a really good fight. I think Ricky Burns is going win if he keeps it long, and doesn’t get involed in a tear up. He will out box Katsidis, who has been in one too many hard fights, and Ricky is still fresh. Burns

Jamie “Smigga” Smith, Professional Boxer
I think Ricky will win by using the same skills he used in the Martinez fight, a nice long sharp jab and good movement. He will frustrate Katsidis all night with his movement and big long jab. Burns

John Simpson, Professional Boxer (Thanks to writer Tom Gray, SecondsOut)
Ricky is looking good.  I really feel the difference in him; he’s a lot stronger, he’s retained his speed and he’s punching harder.  I think that Ricky has timed his move well because Katsidis is a big name and although he has a lot left, he isn’t what he once was.  He recently took a beating from Robert Guerrero and that was a bad one. Burns

RN24 Writers

James Tonks
Michael brings a wealth of experience and a never-give-up attitude. Katsidis’ non-stop come-forward-and-put-it-all-on-the-line approach will no doubt cause Burns problems, which he will need to adapt to quickly, or it could be a short night. The longer the fight goes on I think Ricky will grow in confidence, and will start to control the fight working behind his jab. I think the outcome of the fight depends on how quickly Burns adapts to Katsidis’ style, and how much punishment he receives in the opening rounds. Ricky has learned alot the past couple of years, lets hope he puts it to good use against Katsidis. Ricky on points. Burns

Gav Bridges
Burns needs to fight with his height and focus on the counters as Katsidis comes in. Mike fights with his heart on his sleeve, and never needs to be looked for. As a result, he is a counter-punchers dream. A Burns performance similar to that against Martinez will be what the corner want to see, only with a bit less bravado. Ricky moving up will give him more snap in the jab, and more time to focus on skills rather than frying. More and more boxers these days are reaping the benefits of using camp to hone skills rather than boil down, as the two at the top of the tree prove well enough. I think at 135 Ricky will get some power. Now, I see a hairy moment or two, around rounds 2-4 for Burns, and wouldn’t be overly surprised to see a flash knock-down, but the wars are visibly catching up with Katsidis, and while his heart would fight 100 rounds, his legs are only properly effective for seven or eight. I’m going for a culmination by the 10th, either stoppage or Katsidis corner to pull him out. Burns

Ryan McHugh
Kudos to Ricky for taking this fight. He got slated for dropping the Broner fight but any credibility lost was regained, as well as some more when this fight was announced. Katsidis is a proven world level fighter who can seriously bang. As much as I’d love Ricky to win this, which I think he can if he boxes smart, I just can’t see it. Katsidis will be too big, too strong and too aggressive. I see him stopping Ricky inside six. Katsidis

James Golden
Burns has the ability to get himself off to a good start, frustrating Katsidis for a few rounds, but his lack of punching power will be a major factor. Katsidis will realise Burns cannot hurt him, and he’ll start to wear Ricky down, before halting him around the tenth round. The fight will be very close on the judge’s cards at the time of the stoppage. Katsidis

Dave Allen
Very dangerous match up for Burns, against a hardened pro like Katsidis who is as tough as old boots, and a bit of a puncher. Burns has the skills to frustrate Katsidis until he realizes that Burns cannot hurt him. Once Katsidis starts to push Burns back to the ropes he will just bring in the body shots, and I see a stoppage around the sixth round. Kasidis destroyed Earl and Mitchell on his visits here and I’m afraid Burns is going to be number three. Katsidis

Scott Graveson
For me I feel that Burns will feel the power that Katsidis has in both hands. Whilst Burns is easily the more technically proficient fighter of the two, Katsidis is stronger, more powerful and has a very under-rated skill set of his own. He’ll probably lose the opening round, maybe two, before applying the pressure and breaking Burns down around the middle rounds. The best scenario for Burns is probably surviving to the ninth round, though I’ll go for Katsidis TKO 7. Katsidis

Rob Day
Michael Katsidis has had alot of success against British fighters and I believe that run will continue against Ricky Burns. I can see Burns doing better than Kevin Mitchell, though I see him being stopped around the 8th round. Burns’ lack of power will be his downfall, and I can’t see him moving up a weight and beating a fighter of Katsidis calibre. Katsidis

Dave Murphy
Skillwise, you have to like Ricky Burns’ advantage over Katsidis and I’m rather confident that as long as the fight lasts, he should be up on the scorecards. The real problem is just how long it’s going to last, since Ricky has a tendency to brawl, and in this case is certainly at a disadvantage when it comes to artillery. Katsidis has peaked and is just starting on the backside of his career, but it’s hard to envision Burns being able to box a perfect fight and not at some point make a costly mistake that will open the door for Katsidis. Michael Katsidis by TKO 6. Katsidis

Daniel Vano
Katsidis KO5 for me. Burns doesnt have the movement, nor the power, to keep the Aussie off of him. Katsidis will go to the body early and chop Ricky down. Burns isn’t on the same level as The Ghost or Marquez. Kevin Mitchell has a better chance at beating Katsidis in a rematch IMO. Katsidis

Chris Milton
The only reason this fight is happening is because Frank Warren has realised that the Ricky Burns cash cow has run dry. This fight is simply a building block for Mitchell Katsidis 2. Burns has a chance if he runs all night, but I just do not see him being able to survive more than a few rounds. Katsidis by domination round 5. Katsidis

Daniel Norris
This fight is a bit like the Katsidis-Mitchell fight of last year. A good boxer versus Katsidis, and like that fight, I think Katsidis gets inside when he wants to. Burns has no power to keep Katsidis off him, and when Katsidis gets inside his power will hurt Burns badly. Katsidis via stoppage early to mid rounds. Katsidis

Brooklynbrawler
I’d like to think that Burns has a chance against any fighter, given his display against Martinez, who is also a very big puncher. The biggest factor which perhaps hasn’t been considered though, is that this will be Burns first world-level outing at lightweight. Although he has fought at higher weights previously, it’s never been against anyone remotely in the calibre of Katsidis, and the punching power he offers and the relentless pressure boxing Michael adopts, I fear may be too much for Ricky to handle. Burns is the better boxer, but better boxers than Burns have struggled to keep Katsidis at bay. Given Burns’ power wasn’t particularly effective a weightclass lower, it’s likely to be further watered down at 135 lbs. I’d expect Burns to go into the sixth or seventh round with a slender points lead, and it’s what he does with it here that counts. I’d predict a 9th round KO for Katsidis, but hope that Burns can pull off the upset. After giving up his title, it’s the ideal opportunity to stay at the best level possible, given the interim WBO strap is on the line. Katsidis

Lee Skavydis
Katsidis is at a cross roads right now, and it will be interesting to see what he has left in the tank. Ricky Burns has proved that he can dig deep and overcome the odds to beat undefeated power punches like Martinez but I’m not sure if he will adapt to the lightweight division, a weight class that Katsidis has spent all of his career fighting at. Katsidis will be bringing a type of intensity that Burns has never experienced before but that doesn’t mean that the former WBO Scottish champion does not have a chance. If he can stay calm, use good lateral movement and not find himself against the ropes or corner then he has a chance. I’ll go with Katsidis but it isn’t a formality at this stage of his career. Can’t wait for this one! Katsidis

Fans Predictions from our RN24 Facebook and RN24 Forum

Bobby Waterboy Swinney – Facebook
I think Katsidis will be too strong for Burns. Burns is determined and gritty but Katsidis is a beast, he can box and drag you into a war if he needs to, I think Katsidis will take it in the middle to late rounds! Katsidis

Phil Guiness – Facebook
Katsidis just keeps coming at you, it takes a big strong heart to put and keep him down, maybe Burns can do it. It could be a good bloody fight. Katsidis

Scott Alexander Simpson – Facebook
Interesting clash. Ultimately it boils down to how much Katsidis has left in the tank. Burns could look either really good utilising the jab and right hand, coming in while staying on the move, breaking him down and winning by a wide decision or TKO on cuts. If Katsidis gets inside without much resistance it could be an early night and the body shots will render Ricky immobile, stuck on the ropes for a fifth round stoppage. As a Brit I am going for Burns but its a hard one to call. Burns

David Kelly – Facebook
Burns to win on points but I’m guessing there will be a few scares on the way. Burns needs to keep cool and stick to the plan. Burns

Chris Tong – Facebook
In the early rounds I think Burns will control the fight with his boxing skills and speed, but as the fight goes on I think Katsidis will connect with Burns on the chin and will knock him out. Katsidis’s power is phenomenal, he put Marquez down with a left hook and knocked out Mitchell. For me Ricky Burns wins the earlier rounds but Katsidis will put too much pressure on Ricky in the later rounds and win by KO. Katsidis

Aaron Ormrod – Facebook
Katsidis brings too much too fast for Burns. Martinez plodded around so was not too difficult to stay away from. Mick really charges and and throws punches in bunches when he gets there. Burns does not have the power to keep Mick away and his heart will be broken by the constant attack. Katsidis inside eight rounds. Katsidis

Brian Mundie – Facebook
Burns will counter punch his way to a points win, but may have to come off the canvas to do so. Burns

Gary Reilly – Facebook
Well Ricky Burns vs Michael Katsidis really intrigues me! I think Katisidas has little to prove and that the real pressure is on Burns. I think Burns will ride over a few scares and can clinch it on points, he had more pressure on him going to the Martinez figtht, but it certainly won’t be an easy night! Burns

David James Thomson – Facebook
This is a major step up for Burns. Katsidis is a very live and dangerous fighter. Burns on points. Burns

Londoner – RN24 Forum
Burns SD. I think Michael Katsidis is still one of the most dangerous opponents around at 135lbs, and is a fighter we could describe as being “old school”. He’s one of those fighters who no matter how many losses he has on his record he will still provide the toughest fight of your career (similar to Glen Johnson). However, Ricky Burns isn’t a pushover, he dethroned arguably the number one super featherweight in the World to win the WBO title. I think his skill is somewhat underrated, although he doesn’t have the hardest punch which could be his downfall against many elite foes. I think Burns could have just enough to outbox Katsidis to a close twelve round decision. Burns

The Galveston Giant – RN24 Forum
I’m going to back Burns and say that he will manage to keep moving for the twelve rounds throwing a lot of punches per round. It’s going to be a tough one, he can’t stand and trade with Katsidis. Burns UD. Burns

Crusader – RN24 Forum
It’s a good match-up, surely there will be lots of entertainment. I do not think that the Burns will be a step back, I hope he don’t scrub too much from the generosity with a banger like Katsidis. Burns

Grapevine241 – RN24 Forum
Katsidis is just below world class at this point but that’s still a step above Burns. Both fighters will have their moments but Burns’ weak power will not be able to keep Katsidis, a relentless pressure fighter, off him. Look for Katsidis to take Burns deep and force a stoppage late in the fight, around the tenth. Katsidis

Lee Rhodes – RN24 Forum
I fancy Burns to beat Katsidis due to the fact that the last couple of fights he has looked a bit on the decline and not like his old self, easy to hit and struggles against anybody with a decent jab. Yes, Burns will have his work cut out in the early stages, but as the fight goes on I can see Burns boxing his head off and winning easily on points. I’ve been impressed with Burns as of late and really think he can make this step up in class. Burns

Prediction Scores as follows

Boxing World: Burns 11 Katsidis 13
Ringnews24 Writers: Burns 2 Katsidis 11
Facebook and Ringnews24 Forum: Burns 9 Katsidis 5

Total: Burns 22 Katsidis 29

I will update this article as more predictions come in.

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