Michael Katsidis says he’s expecting a warm welcome when he fights Kevin Mitchell – after gaining backing from Tottenham Hotspur. Katsidis has become a popular figure among Spurs fans ahead of his interim WBO World lightweight title defence against Mitchell on May 15 at West Ham United’s Boleyn Ground at Upton Park, live on Sky Sports 1. And he’s returning the favour by backing the north London side to nail down a Champions League spot by the end of the season. “It’s nice to know that a few people will be cheering me on when I take on Mitchell, I had thought you’d be able to hear a pin drop when I knock him out,” said the Aussie puncher..
“To be honest, before this fight I’d not really heard of Tottenham or West Ham.
“But now I know Spurs are behind me, I’ll be following all their results and I’d like to wish them all the best in their bid to get into the Champions League.
“I watched their semi-final against Portsmouth in the FA Cup, and I was gutted when they got knocked out.
“But I was much happier when they beat Arsenal and Chelsea at home. They play just like I fight – without fear and always going forward.
“The atmosphere in those matches looked incredible on television – I hope it’s going to be the same at West Ham.
“I hear show promoter Frank Warren is an Arsenal fan – he’s going to like me even less after I destroy Mitchell and he finds out how much I was cheering when Spurs finished off their title chances.
Katsidis, 29, has fought all over the world after beginning his career in his native Australia.
And he’s also banking on some more conventional support when he takes on Mitchell.
“There haven’t been many fans when I’ve fought in the States, but when I fought in London against Graham Earl it was almost like being back at home,” said Katsidis.
“I’m sure there will be more than a few Aussies down at Upton Park on May 15.
“Our sports teams get tremendous support whenever they come to England, and I’m hoping that it will be no different for me.
“Anyone who does get a ticket won’t be going home disappointed because this is going to be one hell of a fight.”
‘Hammer Time’ is headlined by Kevin Mitchell’s challenge for the WBO Interim World Lightweight Championship against Michael Katsidis. A quality packed undercard includes the British and Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship between Danny Williams and Sam Sexton; Olympic Gold medallist James DeGale challenges for the first title in his career – the WBA International Super-Middleweight Championship; unbeaten heavyweight star Derek Chisora; and Britain’s hottest young prospects Frankie Gavin and Billy Joe Saunders.
MITCHELL JOINS PUNK BAND THE COCKNEY REJECTS!
East End punk legends the Cockney Rejects have added a new member to their band – Kevin Mitchell!
The Dagenham hot-shot is in training for his Interim WBO World Lightweight Champion title fight against Michael Katsidis on May 15th at West Ham United’s Boleyn Ground, but he has joined the band for a special one-off performance at the legendary London music venue The Bridgehouse this Thursday (22 April).
Unbeaten Mitchell will use his lightning fast hands on the drums to play the hit West Ham anthem “I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles” alongside original band members Jeff “Stinky” Turner and his brother Mick Geggus, both highly-decorated amateur boxers in their youth.
“I’m used to hammering opponents with my hands, but playing the drums is something completely new to me,” said Mitchell.
“I’ve got good coordination, rhythm, and I’m heavy-handed so bashing the drums should be pretty easy – I hope!”
“The Cockney Rejects are legendary in the East End, my dad was well into their music so he’s well happy that I’m in the band!”
“I’m looking forward to headlining a new venue as well. The York Hall is the home of London boxing and I’ve headlined there quite a few times, but The Bridgehouse is where U2 and Iron Maiden started out so you might by seeing the birth of a new music career for me!”
Lead singer Turner said, “I’m delighted that Kevin is joining us for a session. Being a former boxer and West Ham fan, I’ve followed Kevin’s career and he’s the best British boxer out there by far and it’s fantastic that he’s fighting for the world title at West Ham’s ground.”
“I’ll hold out on my judgement of his musical talent until after he’s played the session with us on Thursday!”
Tickets for ‘Hammer Time’, priced at £30, £40, £50, £80, £150, £200 & £250, are available from:
West Ham Ticket Hotline: 0871 222 2700*
Website: www.whufc.com
See Tickets Ticket Hotline: 0871 2200 260*
Website: www.seetickets.com
Ticketmaster: 0844 847 2500*
Website: www.ticketmaster.co.uk