Michael Katsidis vs Robert Guerrero
Robert Guerrero is a southpaw, and they can be difficult to figure out. This may be in the back of his mind when he tangles with Michael Katsidis on Saturday when they meet for the interim World Boxing Association and World Boxing Organization lightweight belts at the MGM Grand.
A gifted boxer, Guerrero?s back story is uplifting. His wife battled and prevailed over a horrific disease, all the while standing firmly by her side. This tells you a great deal about Guerrero.
Even so, what matters happens in the ring, and when it?s said and done, Guerrero (28-1-1 with 18 knockouts) will prevail because of heart, desire and talent.
Katsidis (27-3 with 22 KO?s), a native of Australia, is no pushover, and will make a good case for himself. Katsidis? losses have come at the hands of Juan Manuel Marquez in November 2010 by way of technical knockout in the ninth round, Juan Diaz in September 2008 by split decision, and Joel Casamayor in March 2008 by TKO in the 10th round.
Will there be a fourth setback? It says here there will, and it?ll come late.
Erik Morales vs Marcos Maidana
Erik Morales has been a terrific, and at times great fighter. In fact, he?s the last boxer to have actually beaten the immortal Manny Pacquiao, which came March 2005 as the result of a unanimous decision, but when he walks into the MGM Grand Garden Arena this Saturday evening for his interim World Boxing Association light welterweight title clash with Marcos Maidana of Argentina, it?ll likely be his last hurrah.
The 34-year-old Mexican has climbed through the ropes 57 times, with 51 victories, including 35 knockouts. That?s a mouth full, and will certainly help sustain him when the going gets tough.
On the negative side, Morales has dropped five of his last nine decisions, and it won?t get any easier against Maidana, a 27-year-old punching machine who boasts a ring record of 29-2 with 27 knockouts.
If Morales falls short, and he should, it won?t be a disgrace. If he does, at the very least, let?s hope he goes out on his shield. That would be fitting for such a noble warrior.
