· Robbie Katter (left) faces up to Mike Diamond with referee Bobby Wehrman on hand.
Battling Kid Katter steps into the boxing ring
The wait (weight) will almost be over when “Battling Kid Katter” steps on to the scales tomorrow (Friday) night before entering the ring for a much-anticipated boxing debut on Saturday night.
Known away from the canvas mat as the Member for Mount Isa, Robbie Katter will be dodging, weaving and sparring with his opponent this weekend in a world far removed from politics.
The sports-minded, fitness-conscious 37-year-old is stepping into the boxing ring for the Saturday fight night against a vastly more experienced boxer in 55-year-old Mike Diamond, to raise funds for the reduction of alcohol-related violence campaign headed by former WBC Super Middleweight Champion, Australian Danny Green.
Today (Friday) is the penultimate milestone in the popular MP’s boxing career when Danny Green oversees the formal weigh-in at the Barkly Hotel.
Robbie’s dad Bob Katter has been a political heavyweight for decades, but this next generation expects to weigh in at around 85kg for the 3×2-minute rounds.
“I’m told Mike is a heavy hitter, so it’ll be all about survival for me. But a big plus is I’ve got Danny Green in my corner.”
Mr Katter said boxing is a bit like the political arena.
“We keep jabbing away at the majority government, landing plenty of blows, and copping the occasional counter.”
Mr Katter is putting up his dukes in the main bout on the card for what is shaping up to be a sellout Mount Isa Charity Boxing Challenge on Saturday night (May 17).