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Philippines, 14 May 2008 |
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INTERVIEW WITH MICHAEL KATSIDIS By Anthony 'Duljoman' Andales PhilBoxing.com Mon, 20 Aug 2007  Little Rock – After the World Cup I hanged out with Donaire brothers and their Dad, Sir Sammy Gello-ani and Leon Panoncillo of WBO at Denny’s just adjacent to Vagabond Hotel where Team Philippines stayed. Since I was still wearing my Barong Tagalog with hand-painted artwork of fighting cocks engaging in a dance of death as Homer Sayson described. I went to Best Western Sutterhouse where I was staying and changed to a more comfy get-up. I paid $9.50 for the taxi. After I changed my clothes, I went down and checked the restobar just outside the hotel. Inside I saw maxboxing gurus Steve Kim and Doug Fischer. They asked me what to drink so I obliged with Miller Light. After a few minutes Michael Katsidis arrived. The topic became very interesting that I forgot that Glenn Donaire told me to come back. Gone were the three bottles of Miller lights. I told the group that I need to go cause Donaire Bros. were waiting for me. Before I went out, Doug and Steve gave me their business cards and Michael gave me his number and his email address cause he wanted the pictures I took at the dressing room, with him and the Team Philippines. Here are some excerpts on my email with Michael Katsidis, who by the way celebrated his birthday on Aug. 15. Duljoman: MICHAEL HOW DID YOU BECOME A PHILIPPINE TEAM CAPTAIN? The great: I believe I became the Team Captain when Manny Pacquiao left for the Philippnes. He’s supposedly the one who will give inspirations to the fighters. Also I have a very strong association with the team before they came here in Sacramento, and Mayor Dan Neri Lim gave me his blessings to be the Team Captain the night before the fight. I gave the boys some advices and being there I let them remember where they came from and their main objective is to give honor to the Philippines. Duljoman: WHAT DID YOU OBSERVED/LEARNED FROM "YOUR" TEAM MEMBERS? The great: I observed they show no fear. When they battle it is always a battle till the end. I found their nature very compatible with me and we have a lot in common making it a pleasure and a very good learning experience to work with them. Lovely people, true warriors. Duljoman: Mike, you mentioned that you’re going to the Philippines for you training camp for your coming fight, could you elaborate this? The great: My trainer has serioulsy considering this because of the morale of the fighters and the bond we had formed with the Filipino fighters. We have not decided it yet but we are seriously considering of setting a training camp their for our my next fight. Depending on when my fight is. It doesn't matter where, I can only benefit from training in the Philippines. Duljoman: MIKE I WILL ALSO MENTION ON THIS STORY THAT ROCKY IV THE MOVIE INFLUENCED YOU TO BECOME A FIGHTER. The great: Ha, Ha, Well it is funny you say that. Are their a lot of people seen Rocky IV in the Phillipines? Of all fights I chose the bigger fights. The greater challenge. Not only makes me proud but it serves what I stand for. I think the Rocky movies inspired me and provoked from a very young age about my love and generalship towards the sport and boxing and how it can inspire and move an entire nation by only two men fighting. Many years from now when my life has passed I want to remember the journey that is more important to me than the destination, and that is how i want to live my life, like a warrior, for it's challenges and how bravely I fought. Duljoman: DO YOU HAVE A MESSAGE FOR AMONSOT AND FOR THE BOXING FANS IN THE PHILIPPINES WHO ARE REALLY BEGINNING TO ADMIRE YOU FOR THE SERVICE YOU RENDERED ON AND OFF THE RING TO TEAM PHILIPPINES LAST SATURDAY EVENING. The great: Over the years I have mentioned having a strong association with Philippine fighters. Mainly this is because of their heart and will to win when they fight which says alot about the country as a whole. 
The author (L) with Michael Katsidis. Top photo: Katsidis with Team Philippines after the fight. Now being so close in camp during the world cup I was able to see the Philippines like I never had before and now we are allies. Together we can only grow stronger and I'm thankful of the experience. To Amonsot I would like to say I am happy to hear you have recovered well from the fight. You have a great future ahead of you. All the best mate. I will never forget the time lying in the hospital beds next to each other like Apollo Creed and Rocky from the Rocky movie (; Thankyou for your time Anthony Duljoman if there is anything else please let me know. Thank you Mike. THERE YOU GO IT ALL ENDED LIKE THE ROCKY MOVE!!! KUMBATEA MICHAEL “THE GREAT” KATSIDIS!!! Click here to view a list of other articles written by Anthony 'Duljoman' Andales. Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles: |
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