by James Slater – Ultra-exciting blood and guts warrior Michael Katsidis of Queensland, Australia is back in action this coming April 4th, when he takes on the equally tough Jesus Chavez of Mexico. The Katsidis-Chavez bout will be part of the action making up the “Lightweight Lightening” card being promoted by Golden Boy and also featuring Edwin Valero-Antonio Pitalua (for the WBC title), Carlos Hernandez-Vicente Escobedo and Julio Diaz-Rolando Reyes. The Katsidis-Chavez fight may be the best action fight of the lot, however. Indeed, almost any fight involving the 28-year-old former WBO interim lightweight champion is something to see.
Not only may his next fight be the contest of the evening, but Katsidis’ trainer and manager Brendon Smith has told WWOS.com.au that the WBO have told him the winner of the April 4th bout would be entitled to a mandatory shot at their 135-pound world title – currently held, of course, buy Mexican great Juan Manuel Marquez. And it is this potential mega-fight that Katsidis and his team are looking forward to. But first “The Great” must defeat the still formidable 36-year-old Chavez, currently 44-4(30.
Smith spoke about his fighter’s April 4th bout that will take place in Austin, Texas.
“The economy in the world is very tough at the moment and only the elite fighters capitalise on it, so this is very critical, he must win this fight [Vs. Chavez],” Smith said. “This is a dangerous fight because it is the same question asked of Jesus Chavez and how critical it is for his career. Everything is on the line for these two fighters.”
Chavez, the former WBC super-featherweight and IBF lightweight champ, who has met greats such as Floyd Mayweather Junior, Erik Morales and the late Leavander Johnson in his time, has won his last two bouts – both wins coming last year after a year-plus layoff following the 36-year-old’s loss to Julio Diaz. Katsidis, at 28, must be made the favourite, but Chavez will certainly be in with a good chance.
Katsidis, 24-2(20) last fought this past January, defeating Angel Hugo Ramirez on points in The Philippines. Though the fight was not a typical Katsidis barnburner, his trainer says the win got him sharp for his next fight – against Chavez.
“He is in really good order and our plan of having him fight in January in The Philippines and then backing him straight up with this fight, I think it’s worked to a tee,” Smith said. “I don’t think I’ve seen him better. I can say, he’s very, very confident. He’s glowing with confidence.”
Katsidis may beat Chavez, possibly in a very entertaining fight – but would he have a shot against the superb Juan Manuel Marquez? We may find out.