By Allan Fox: Lightweight contender Michael Katsidis (28-5, 23 KO’s) will be moving up in weight on April 13th to face fringe light welterweight contender Albert Mensah (24-3-1, 10 KO’s) in a scheduled 10 round bout in a still to be determined venue in Las Vegas, Nevada.

This could be another loss for the 31-year-old Katsidis, as Mensah, #15 IBF, can fight and has huge size at 5’10” with really long arms. Katsidis’ management likely picked Mensah due to his fringe contender status and because of his struggles to beat pressure fighter Andre Gorges in a 12 round majority decision last July.

However, Katsidis, 5’7”, has lost three out of his last four fights since November 2010, and even this opponent might be a too tough for Katsidis at this point. If this was a fight that was held at 135, then it might not be as much of a big deal, but Katsidis is moving up in weight and will be facing a really tall fighter in Mensah, who knows how to use his height really well.

Mensah has won 15 consecutive fights since losing back to back bouts in 2005 against little known opposition. Mensah has really improved since then and has an excellent left hook, which he throws with a lot of speed and a nice jab to go along with it.

Katsidis obviously feels he can walk through Mensah’s jabs and left hook to get inside on him. However, I’m not sure he’ll be able to do this enough to win a decision. It’s going to be a really tough fight for Katsidis.

Katsidisi will find it tough to find a niche at light welterweight due to his limited height and lack of crushing power or blazing hand speed. The division isn’t particularly strong but Katsidis may have problems rising up the ranks. If he’s okay with hanging around as a contender then he’ll be okay, but as far as him winning a title, I can’t see it happening. The division will open up a little once Amir Khan moves up in weight, but there are still a number of contenders and champions that I feel would beat Katsidis.