• Ricky Burns v Michael Katsidis

Burns holds off Katsidis to land interim lightweight title

Ricky Burns shows off his new belt after his battling victory © Getty Images

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Ricky Burns dug deep to hold off a relentlessly aggressive Michael Katsidis and win the WBO interim lightweight title on points at Wembley Arena.

The Scot, in his first fight at 135lbs since vacating his WBO super-featherweight strap after making three successful defences, had to weather constant attacks from his all-action opponent but Burns' superior boxing skills ultimately proved the difference.

Burns, entering the contest with a record of 32 wins from 34 fights, started the brighter, boxing behind the jab and moving well to evade Katsidis' responses. Katsidis knows only one way - to press forward and attack the body - but Burns tucked up well in the early stages and dominated with some crisp straight shots.

Mixing it up in the third, Burns showed he can fight on the inside with a vicious upper cut, but Katsidis soaked it up and continued to plough forward. Despite his willingness to unload at will, Katsidis had to absorb a lot to get his own shots off. Boxing calmly and showing great composure, Burns looked rarely troubled in the opening rounds but you can never write off Katsidis and he slowly began to establish himself in the fight.

The Australian, making his third appearance in a ring in the UK after victories over Graham Earl and Kevin Mitchell, unleashed some sapping body blows in the middle rounds and, if only momentarily, Burns looked to be tiring. However, the pre-fight favourite in many people's eyes could not sustain his attacks without Burns picking him off with long-range combinations and Katsidis' face became increasingly marked up.

Both men produced late bursts, with Burns looking the slightly fresher down the stretch. Katsidis continued to fight at close quarters but his wayward shots highlighted his growing fatigue and it was Burns who finished the stronger, deservedly winning the fight by unanimous decision - with the judges scoring the bout 117-112, 117-111, 117-111.

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