• Boxing

Katsidis' trainer says Khan fight unlikely

ESPN staff
May 28, 2010
Michael Katsidis was too good for Kevin Mitchell © Getty Images
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Amir Khan will not take on Michael Katsidis because the fight represents too much of a risk, according to Katsidis' trainer Brendon Smith.

Katsidis was too good for the previously unbeaten Kevin Mitchell in his most recent fight, at Upton Park on May 15.

After giving such an impressive performance on English soil, Katsidis was mooted as a potential future opponent for WBA light-welterweight champion Khan.

However, Smith does not believe that Khan - whose brittle chin is thought to be a major weakness - will be willing to face off against the hard-hitting Australian.

"I really don't see it happening," he said. This is a very risky fight for Amir and one they would not take at this stage."

Also on May 15, Khan stopped Paulie Malignaggi in the 11th round of what was his first fight in America. Smith has revealed that Katsidis, the WBO interim lightweight king, was considered as an opponent for Khan before they settled on the Malignaggi clash.

"There was an opportunity for the two to fight in Amir's US debut, but it was turned by Freddie Roach [Khan's trainer] and instead Paulie Malignaggi was chosen," he said.

There is nothing to suggest that Roach has changed his mind in the intervening period - although Khan remains keen to fight in England during July.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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