Katsidis’ factor has Kiwi champ on guard

EMERGING New Zealand fighter set for Hilt world title showdown.

Kiwi champion Cairo George at Smithy's Gym yesterday.

BOXING : New Zealand’s Cairo George knows little about Jamie Hilt ahead of their Toowoomba ring showdown tomorrow night but one name on his rival’s record card has commanded his respect.

George and Hilt go head-to-head tomorrow night at Rumours International for the WBU Super Lightweight world title.

George is a triple New Zealand champion with international fight experience while Hilt - a late comer to pro boxing - is looking to add a world title to his Queensland and Australasian championship victories.

Hilt’s 10-win record includes a split decision victory over Toowoomba’s former world lightweight champion Michael Katsidis at Rumours in 2017.

It is a result not lost on George and his trainer Lo Lo Heimuli.

“I met him (Hilt) for the first time yesterday and all I’ve heard is he’s a good guy,” George said.

“But when I was growing up I was a big fan of Michael Katsidis and when I saw my opponent has had a win over Michael it caught my attention straight away.

“As a kid you always dream of winning a world title and now I’ve got that opportunity and I want to take it.

“All my experiences in boxing - good and bad - have got me to this point.”