The Ultra-Exciting Michael Katsidis Back In Action This Saturday

by James Slater – Australia’s Michael Katsidis, one of the sport’s most reliably thrilling warriors, gets back in the ring this coming Saturday in Cebu City, The Philippines. The blood-and-guts 28-year-old lightweight will be hoping to get himself a victory after having lost his last two fights – to Joel Casamayor and then Juan Diaz, both highly entertaining battles. Opposing “The Great” will be Argentina’s Angel Hugo Ramirez, a 31-year-old with a good 19-4-2(8) pro record..

Though he is no huge puncher, the Argentinean who is nicknamed “El Tren” is a durable enough fighter who has never been stopped. The still hugely ambitious Katsidis will be hoping to change that on Saturday. For though the man from Toowoomba, Queensland has been somewhat exposed at the very elite level – as a fighter who is undeniably gutsy and incredibly brave, but no defensive master – he is sure he can yet make it and capture a world title.

Interestingly, and sure to give Katsidis even more motivation on Saturday, is the latest word from FightNews.com, that says a big fight with former IBF lightweight champion Julio “The Kidd” Diaz is in the works for April. Though no major title will be attached to this intriguing and evenly matched prospective fight, the winner may well go on to get another crack at world glory. So, can Katsidis become the first man to stop Ramirez?

Aside from common opponent Graham Earl of Britain (who gave Katsidis such a war in Feb. of 2007), there are no names of too much note on the Argentine’s record. Also, most of the 31-year-old’s fights have taken place in either his homeland or in Spain (the points loss to Earl taking place in London) – therefore not that much is known about Ramirez. Without a doubt, the fight with Katsidis will be his biggest fight to date.

Since losing to Earl, Ramirez has remained unbeaten in his last four, with one bout being declared a No-Contest – so the underdog will be sharp and ready to fight. It’s tough predicting just what the older man will bring to the ring with him on Saturday. We know he’s not a banger, but Katsidis is not the hardest guy in the world to out-box, and this may be what Ramirez attempts to do. Still, it would be a huge upset if the crowd pleasing Australian were to lose his third fight on the bounce.

Still believing he can rule the world, despite suffering his first stoppage loss to great Cuban Casamayor last-but-one time out, Katsidis will simply not allow Ramirez to get in the way of his plans for the future. Whether he does it via clear decision or by stoppage, “The Great” will win.

Maybe then we will be able to look ahead to another potential thriller with Katsidis taking on Julio Diaz in the spring.