By Tony Nobbs: Michael Katsidis “The Great” says that he is proud to be bringing world class boxing back to him home state Queensland after being domiciled overseas for the past five years fighting the best lightweights on the planet.
The 30 year old former WBO interim lightweight champion (27-4, 22 ko’s) has had a tough time over the past eight months follwing the death of his brother Stathi and subsequent defeats to Juan Manuel Marquez and Robert Guerrero. His next battle takes place at the Gold Coast Convention Center, on August 13 when he faces Mexican Michael Lozada (38-8, 30 ko’s).
With a bout against three division champion Erik Morales being mooted, Team Katsidis have some bold plans but the Toowoomba Terror isn’t looking too far ahead.
Now back training with mentor Brendan Smith at Smithy’s Gym in Toowomba, he is a focused fighter with strong family support.
Eastside spoke to him on Friday and here’s what he had to say.
ESB: Michael, how’s it feel being back fighting in Australia?
MK: Great. It’s been long awaited. Something I’ve wanted to do and now is the right time. I’ve had to work hard to get to where I am, it’s been a long wait to come back. After establishing yourself on the world scene it’s always exciting to bring big fights back.
ESB: How’s it been, being back and training in old but new suroundings?
MK: I’ve been back in Australia for wa hile. Ever since my brother passed away, I’ve had to get back to my family, back to my roots. With Brendan pushing me all the way in the gym I’m able to go hoome and see my baby every day. I wasn’t able to see her for 3 or 4 months at a time while I was away in camp. I’ve got everything here.
ESB: What do you expect from Michael Lozada?
MK: He is a knockout fighter as his 30 ko’s tell you. He is to be respected. I expect him to be at his absolute best. This is my first international bout at super lightweight (he won the Australian title in 2004). It is one of the most packed divisions in the world. He is looking at me as someone who can get him back into the title picture (Lozada chllenged Edwin Valero for the WBA 130 pound title in 2007) so for now he is the only opponent on my mind.
ESB:You’ve had some memorable fights over the past 5 years. Who would you rate as your best win?
MK: It’s hard to say. There’s been some good ones. But if I had to pick, I’d go with Czar Amonsot. It was my foirst fight in the US. It was a tough fight, he ended up with a brain clot and I was worried, but he pulled through. Another one that stands out was Jesus Chavez, a former world champion who I beat in his backyard.
ESB: Speaking of the Amonsot fight. After, you were being hailed as the new Gatti. How did that feel?
MK: It was a great honor. But I want to be the Katsidis! I feel as if I have my great fights still to come.
ESB: Erik Morales has been mentioned as a future foe. What did you think of his bout with Marcos Maidana?
MK: It was a great performance. But I thought Maidana was overated. He had a good fight with Khan but I found him to be lazy in his style, holding his hands low. Morales is one of those Mexican’s who keeps getting greater, they work so hard and look after themselves , they can keep going. Look at Marquez. He’s 37 and he’s stll one of the greatest fighters around.
ESB: Speaking of Marquez. Is he an opponent you want again?
MK: Yes. And also Cassamayor, that was my first defeat, I felt I let it get away from me in the end. I came back into the fight and got reckless.
ESB: What effect did Stathi’s passing have on your performance in the Marquez fight.
MK: I was very good in that fight. I had him down. I copped a lot of hard body punches, a lot of damage and the ref stopped it. I didn’t get knocked out and I feel I would have been standing at the end (of 12 rounds). Lacking that extra bit of sleep and the added pressure, probably took it’s toll in the last two days but you can’t make excuses. It was something I had to do. Going through that and now being back with my family only makes this run a whole lot easier.