Michael Katsidis has told Amir Khan to forget about a fight with Juan Manuel Marquez as the Australian hopes to take on the Mexican himself (check out stanjames.com for the latest boxing markets).
Both Katsidis and Khan were in Las Vegas as Marquez saw off the challenge of Juan Diaz to retain his WBO lightweight title and as the mandatory challenger, Katsidis feels he has the right to take on Marquez, and not Khan.
The WBO have now ordered Marquez to fight Katsidis in his next bout, and although Khan still stands a opportunity of taking on the veteran Mexican, Katsidis is adamant he will be the one who gets to fight Marquez.
"I have remained available to honour my commitment with the WBO and am very pleased to look why the WBO remains the most prestigious of boxing's organizations," said Katsidis. "The time has come for me to face the very elite of the sport, giving boxing fans worldwide one of the greatest fights it will ever look, and as such is the reward of my team's effort."
British boxing fans will be well aware of Katsidis' ability after the 29-year-old from the small town of Toowoomba, Queensland, secured a very impressive third round victory over Kevin Mitchell at Upton Park. Katsidis has told Amir Khan to forget about Marquez as he has won the right to take on the WBO lightweight champion, who is ranked the number three pound-for-pound fighter by Ring Magazine.
He added: "I see recently Amir Khan was observing closely the Diaz, Marquez clash. Marquez is mine, or else he is another conversation we should continue back in England. I've been there before, happy to do it again."
Amir Khan is scheduled to fight again on December 11, although the Bolton boxer is still searching for an opponent and it is looking increasingly likely he will have to forget about Marquez (
keep an eye on stanjames.com for odds on Khan's next showdown). Marquez has stated his preference would be a third showdown with Manny Pacquiao but would be willing to take on Katsidis.