Graham Earl has given former rival Michael Katsidis a home ahead of the Australian’s interim WBO world lightweight title clash with Ricky Burns at Wembley Arena this Saturday night.
The Lutonian was involved in a thriller against the powerhouse in 2007 – also at Wembley Arena – that saw both fighters hit the canvas before Earl was pulled out by his corner ahead of the start of the sixth round.
Katsidis has based himself at Earl’s House of Champions gym in Luton for the final week leading up to his fight with Burns, that will be televised live and exclusive on BoxNation.
“It’s great to catch up with Graham after that terrific war we had a few years ago and only in boxing can you get that special bond between fighters who’ve had to dig deep to win,” said Katsidis. “I saw him briefly last year when I was over for the Kevin Mitchell fight and he offered us his gym to use then.
"When the Burns fight was made I was straight on the phone to Graham to arrange to train at the gym. He’s a great guy and he’s looked after us while we’ve been in England this time.
“The gym’s out of the centre of London so I can get away from all the noise and mayhem and just focus on the fight against Burns.”
Earl, who fought Burns in 2005 and lost on points over eight rounds, hasn’t passed on any tips to Katsidis, as the Australian said: “I understand that Graham is friends with Ricky and I wouldn’t ask him anything anyway.
“The Burns he fought in 2005 is different to the one I’m going to facing on Saturday night,” “If Earl did tell me anything it wouldn’t be much use as Burns is a different fighter now.
“He’s really come on since that fight, he won a world title and his experience and skill has improved and now he’s moving up in weight as well.
“All I can say is that I have a plan to beat Burns and I can promise the fans that I will fight as I do in every fight I have.”
