AUSTRALIA’S WBO interim lightweight boxing world champion Michael Katsidis is focusing firmly on fighting Juan Manuel Marquez despite rumours the Mexican superstar is being lined up as a farewell opponent for Britain’s Ricky Hatton.
Katsidis’s manager and trainer Brendon Smith refuses to believe rumours that the WBO will grant their Super lightweight champion Marquez another exemption from fighting the Australian so he can face Hatten.
Marquez has already been granted one exemption to move up in weight and fight American Floyd Mayweather.
Reports surfaced last month that Marquez was in the frame to fight Hatten, who is yet to officially confirm he will continue following his devastating loss to Manny Pacquiao.
On a recent visit to Australia, Hatten confirmed he was thinking of fighting again and would make a decision after the New Year holiday.
Smith believes the WBO will strip Marquez if he proceeds to fight Hatten and will recognise Katsidis as their official lightweight champion.
“Our total focus is on Marquez, not on any one else at this stage,” Smith told AAP.
“There is a report that Marquez has been granted one more exemption, but we don’t believe that.
“Apparently the report was coming out of Mexico. I have contacted the WBO, but I haven’t had a response due to the Christmas break.
“It doesn’t make any sense whatsoever. If Marquez fights again at light welterweight he’s not coming back to lightweight, it puts a big hold on all the lightweight division.
“He (Marquez) has already cashed in for a superfight against Floyd Mayweather, if he’s going to cash in again, well, let the (WBO lightweight) title go.”
Smith said American pay-per-view network HBO had a May 1 date set aside for a Marquez fight.
“There’s been a lot of talk about Ricky Hatten, but is he going to be ready by then,” Smith said.
Smith recently returned from the United States where new dad Katsidis was doing some training before the new year.
“He’s going great, he’s on top of the world, he’s just received his second world title belt,” Smith said.
