Michael Katsidis 19th Sept

Katsidis wants Pacquiao, Marquez after Escobedo

MICHAEL Katsidis says a big win over Vicente Escobedo next month will propel him to superfights against Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez.

Katsidis turned 29 last Saturday and celebrated by sparring two separate opponents over 12 rounds.

He is leaving no stone unturned as he bids to regain his WBO interim lightweight world title against Vicente Escobedo in Las Vegas on September 19.

The bout will feature on the undercard of the Floyd Mayweather Jr-Juan Manuel Marquez super fight at the MGM Grand.


Katsidis told journalist Cameron Leslie of the Toowoomba Chronicle that his bout with Escobedo is one of the most important of his career.


“Marquez has the WBO world title, so if I win the interim belt, he has to fight me or I become the full world champion,” Katsidis said.

“I'd be just as happy to fight him, but either way, we're on the verge of something really big.

“I haven't been focused on anything other than this fight.’’

Katsidis (25-2, 21 KO's) has gained worldwide acclaim as one of world boxing’s most exciting fighters and has repeatedly challenged Pacquiao, saying he believes the Filipino’s style is perfect for him.

He has been in with some of the best in the world over his eight-year career, including Joel Casamayor and Juan Diaz and comes into this bout on the back of two successive wins, including an April stoppage of former world champion Jesus Chavez.

At 27, 2004 US Olympian Escobedo (21-1, 13 KO's) is ready for his first world title opportunity.

In his last three-fights he has impressively beaten the previously undefeated Dominic Salcido and former world champions Carlos Hernandez and Kevin Kelley and there seems little doubt he is ready for the step up.

One thing you can say about Kat, he has got a set of balls on him thats for sure.

 

Thats for sure.....I will be watching his fight along with Money if they have in on in NZ :good

 

All the respect to Kats for wanting to fight the best. Very unusual compared to some of our bigger named Oz fighters.

 

Escobedo will be a hard out for Kats.

This kid has skills. Kats is a lot younger and stronger than Hernandez though so it will be interesting to see whether Escobedo can handle that type of pressure and strength.

 

How can Katsidis be calling out Pacman..??I don't know how he has the right to do that..

 

About a month ago the rumours in the uk was katsidis vs hatton, more chance of that and a payday for katsidis

 

just throwing his name into the mix pac has much bigger fish to fry than kat but kat thinks he has the style to beat him and is throwing out the challenge good on him.personally as much as i would like kat to win i think pac would own him badly but still gotta admire his courage.

 

Im shaking my head - no offence dude, but how does Katsidis need 'a right' to call out Manny? Any boxer is allowed to call anyone they like out. Doesn't mean Manny has to or will accept. But Katsidis can call out whoever the hell he wants.

Same goes for any boxer out there.

 

3 very good points that I completely agree with. I'm a huge fan (who isn't) but I do worry about his boxing future in the long-term. If he continues to fight the way that he does and take the punishment he allows to get through his 'defence' then he'll not be around for as long as he should be. I know he's very good mates with his trainer but if he were to move camp then it would be a very wise move, IMO. Someone with a heart like Katisidis has with skills to match is a very lethal combination. I cannot wait until the Escobedo fight:yep.

 

Umm, it's not like he said Pac is ducking him or anything. Just that he wants to fight him - is that not ok with you??

 

Does anyone know anything about Michael Katsidis current trainer? I've read in a few articles the Donaire Sr is his cutman. Also read that Steve Curin has helped him train before? So am i right in thinking Brendon Smith is just his manager these days?

 

There's similarities to 'Hitman' Harding who's lack of defence other than a cast-iron jaw saw Johnny Lewis beg him to hang 'em up early. Pity he didn't listen.