By Scott Gilfoid: Former WBO super featherweight champion Ricky Burns (32-2, 9 KO’s) will have the home town advantage against Australian Michael Katsidis (28-4, 23 KO’s) on November 12th when the two fighters battle for the vacant World Boxing Organization lightweight title at the Kelvin Hall, in Glasgow, Scotland.

Burns, 28, gave up his WBO super featherweight title rather than face unbeaten American talent Adrien Broner on November 26th, which would have been the first tough test for Burns after he picked up the title a year ago against Roman Martinez. More than a few boxing fans saw Burns getting destroyed by Broner had he taken the fight.

But by giving up the title without facing the dangerous Broner, Burns can fight for the WBO lightweight title at home in Scotland against a fighter that runs hot and cold in Katsidis. If this is a good Katsidis that comes to the ring on November 12th, we’ll likely see Burns getting obliterated. If not, then I see Burns winning a controversial decision.

I think Katsidis has his back against the wall in this because I don’tn think he’ll be given a decision unless he does something really special like knock Burns down four or five times. I’m hoping we don’t get any controversy but I think we will if it goes to decision. Can’t see Katsidis getting the nod over there. If it was me, I’d say forget it. I won’t fight unless it’s in a neutral venue because I wouldn’t want to go into a fight where I’d feel pressured to have to score a knockout just to be sure I get the win.

Burns is certainly getting Katsidis at the right time. After all, Katsidis has lost two out of his last three fights and was beaten soundly in both of those losses to Juan Manuel Marquez and Robert Guerrero. Burns isn’t in the same league as those two fighters, not even close. But he is fighting at home and that’s got to count for at least four to five rounds on the cards in my view. I hope I’m wrong but I don’t think I am.

Katsidis was supposed to be fighting at light welterweight know, as he fought at that weight in his last bout against Michael Lozada last month. Katsidis said he felt stronger at 140 and that he didn’t have to drain himself to make 135 anymore, which makes this fight all the more stranger. I guess Katsidis couldn’t turn down the money and the opportunity to fight for a title. It’s too bad he couldn’t get the fight in another location.

I mean if Burns isn’t a champion then why in the heck is the fight being held in Scotland? I smell controversy. I think we’re about to see another Paul McCloskey vs. Breidis Prescott type fight where Burns, the home fighter, walks off with a controversial decision while Katsidis is left getting the shaft.