Ricky Burns put on a first-class display of boxing on the retreat to thrash an aggressive but clearly faded Michael Katsidis to win the WBO interim lightweight title at the Wembley Arena in London on Saturday night. It was Burns first major fight as a lightweight since relinquishing his WBO super featherweight title to campaign in the 135 pound class, and the 28-year-old Scot sent out a clear warning to the rest of the division that he will be a force to be reckoned with for the foreseeable future. 

As for the 31 year old Katsidis, the contrast between the plodding, one dimensional fighter we saw on Saturday night and the marauding destroyer who hammered Kevin Mitchell to defeat in three rounds just 18 months ago was dramatic. Since that night, Katsidis has been knocked out in nine rounds by Juan Manuel Marquez in a world title fight, and thrashed on points by Robert ''The Ghost'' Guerrero, and he now looks a shell of his once fearsome self.

Nevertheless, the Australian was still a tough test for Burns, and represented by far and away his most experienced and dangerous opponent thus far in his ten year professional career. It was a test the Scot passed with flying colors, putting on a display of boxing off the back foot that would have made the legendary Gene Tunney proud. Had the Scot possessed greater firepower, he would possibly have stopped Katsidis - so often did his punches find the target of both the Australian's head and body.

From the opening bell, Katsidis was on the attack, but the 5'10" heavily tattooed Burns looked impressively big and strong as a lightweight, and more than up to the task. Burns ramrod left jab was in the Aussie's face right from the get-go, and he countered Katsidis' attacks with a stiff hooks and uppercuts of his own.

As the early rounds went by, Burns tight defence and solid boxing was equating to a clear points lead, and as they entered the second half of the fight, he was clearly in front. Katsidis had some success in rounds six through to nine, but Burns dominated the 10th and 11th for an unassailable lead. Katsidis went for broke in the final round but never came close to having the Scot in trouble. At the bell it was clear that barring a scoring abomination Burns had won, and he and his corner celebrated accordingly. 

When the decision was announced, Katsidis was gracious in defeat and applauded Burns, and was himself cheered loudly by the crowd. One can only wish such a proud warrior well for the future, but the omens do not look good. The Aussie's once vaunted punching power never threatened Burns all night. The Scot never looked hurt, and time again when he was trapped on the ropes, Katsidis' shots were ineffectual, and he was often reduced to throwing virtual pitty-patty punches at his opponent that had no power whatsoever.

The victory over Katsidis has earned Burns a direct crack at Juan Manuel Marquez should the great Mexican choose to return to lightweight following his bout this coming Saturday against Manny Pacquiao for the WBO welterweight title. If the title becomes vacant, Burns could be paired with the likes of Robert Guerrero or Kevin Mitchell in a fight for either the vacant WBO and/or WBA titles. Another possibility for the Scot would be to fight the winner of the upcoming WBC title fight between Brandon Rios and Manchester's John Murray on December 3.

After his performance at the Wembley Arena on Saturday night, Ricky Burns will have an excellent chance of emerging victorious no matter who his next opponent might be.