In a clash for the vacant WBO interim lightweight belt, former WBO super featherweight titleholder Ricky Burns (33-2, 9 KOs) outpointed former two-time interim beltholder Michael Katsidis (28-5, 23 KOs) over twelve rounds on Saturday night at the Wembley Arena in London. Katsidis aggressively stalked Burns from the opening bell, while Burns used his mobility and sought to outbox Katsidis. In the end, scores were 117-112, 117-111, 117-111 in favor of Burns, who gave up his 130lb world title to move up to lightweight. Katsidis, on the other hand, has now dropped three of his last four fights.
British and Commonwealth super middleweight king George Groves (14-0, 11 KOs) scored a second round KO over former “Contender” contestant Paul Smith (31-3, 17 KOs). Smith was down twice before it was stopped. Time was 1:18.
Unbeaten middleweight Olympian Billy Joe Saunders (11-0, 7 KOs) outpointed game, but outgunned Gary Boulden (5-3-2, 0 KOs) over ten rounds. The score was 99-92.
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