ON A FIGHT NIGHT IN HONOUR OF BRAYD SMITH TWO OF AUSTRALIA'S BEST PERFORMED BOXERS will fight for the welterweight Brayd Smith World United Championship belt on the TGW & Smithy Bring the Big Fights 16 card on March 11 at Rumours International Toowoomba.
Former two time WBO World lightweight champion Michael Katsidis will be in the orange corner while former WBO oriental and Asia Pacific title holder Josh King will be in the red corner.
Both boxers have fought in the UK, USA and parts of Asia. They share a common opponent in current world super light weight champion Ricky Burns. Both suffered recent losses to current World Champion Ricky Burns. King lost in the eleventh round while Katsidis lost a unanimous decision.
Josh King, from Townsville has long been calling Katsidis' name and now he has his wish.
"I am honoured to be a part of this memorial event, and fight on a card in tribute to Braydon Smith," King said.
"To say I am excited to fight Michael Katsidis is an understatement.
"It has been a goal of mine for many years, and the opportunity has reignited my hunger for this sport that I love.
"Michael has had an incredible career with some of the best fights any Australian has ever been in & a win over him would be a huge highlight for my career."
Josh King's trainer Johnny Lindgren added:
"This is a massive Australian fight between two likeable blokes.
"Michael Katsidis is a legend in Australian boxing and has matched it with some of the greats on the biggest stage including fighting for world titles in Las Vegas.
"My opinion with much respect to Michael's past achievements is that time waits for nobody and I am very confident Josh King will come out the other side of this fight with his hand raised.
"Our camp is pumped for this fight and Josh is primed to upset Michael Katsidis on March 11, this is a must watch Aussie fight!"
"From each of the world titles I have won, the World United Championship will be the most valuable," Katsidis said.
"This title stands for a united strength in boxing, It is also the redemption of my career.
"It also has a sentimental value to it in that I will fight for the WUC belt on the two year anniversary of late boxing legend Braydon Smith.
"He was an icon in the eyes of everyone that ever met him and I considered him my brother having had him join me all over the World beside me since he was just a baby and training with me through my greatest fights.
"Also many thanks to my personal sponsors Jeff Horsey solicitor, Moloney McCallum solicitors, Nick Stone Group Lawyers, Affinity Lawyers, Vincent's Accountants and Lawler McGill Solicitors and Brendon Smith as well as Josh King and his manager Adam Wilcock." Katsidis said.
This all Aussie showdown against two boxers who have excelled on the World stage is a huge draw card for the TGW & Smithy Bring the Big Fights 16 card on March 11. It's very fitting the winner will be awarded the Brayd Smith WUC Welterweight title.
"Firstly thank you to both fighters for wanting to fight for this very prestigious belt," Promoter Brendon Smith.
"Secondly to want to do it on Brayds anniversary weekend of boxing makes it even more special.
"They are both very good fighters.
"Michael was like a big brother to Brayd and was so good to him growing up and Josh also later in Brayds life had sparred and been in training camp with Brayd in Thailand.
"Michael has been really on to me of late to fight on this show and has been visiting the gym sparring and working out.
"He looks good and I will help as much as I can for Michael to win this fight.
"We need to work and prepare well as this has been a burning desire of Josh King for a long long time.
"You give a fighter his dream fight you know he is coming and going to bring it all.
"We have a big fight on our hands and we are well aware of this.
"It is going to be a very tough and emotional night as we all miss Brayd so much.
"Life after Brayd in the gym has been very difficult and I believe we are all doing the best we can and our boxers, who I can't thank enough - have been amazing.
"There is an emptiness in all our hearts and it hurts." Smith said.
Tickets are on sale for TGW & Smithy Bring the Big Fights 16 from Smithy's TGW Gym Mon-Fri or by phoning 46 378 298 and paying via credit card.