QUEENSLAND’S best boxer, Michael Katsidis, has always been known for his massive heart – now he’s priming himself for the biggest challenge of his young life, a war with the world’s top fighter, Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao.
The Toowoomba Terror will have his next bout in Cebu City in the Philippines on January 31 against Spanish-based Argentine Angel Hugo Ramirez.
He is hoping the fight will eventually lead to a showdown with Pacquiao, the little Filipino whirlwind who blew away six-time world champion Oscar De La Hoya two weeks ago.
Katsidis is coming off two defeats but both fights were thrillers, against world champs Joel Casamayor, a Cuban Olympic gold medallist, and Texan tough Juan Diaz.
Katsidis’s trainer Brendon Smith, speaking from a kickboxing camp in Thailand, said his fighter had actually become stronger from the defeats.
“Michael is a better fighter from having those two bouts against great boxers,” Smith said.
“We see the bout on January 31 as going a long way to rebuilding his international status and keeping him ready for a major fight in the US.”
