AUSTRALIAN boxing star Michael ?The Great? Katsidis is pumped for his comeback fight against Argentinean Angel Hugo Ramirez as he will be battling him in the ?country he adores.?
Katsidis, who acted as the team captain of the successful 2007 Philippine squad in the World Cup of Boxing spectacle, is a fan of Filipino boxers and is eager to fight in the place that he really dreamed of fighting in.
?Katsidis is in tiptop condition. He is really excited to fight in the Philippines. He told me that he loves Filipinos and loves to fight in front of the Filipino fans,? said SGG Promotions? Sammy Gello-ani.
War
Gello-ani promotes this Jan. 31 boxing extravaganza dubbed ?War? at the Cebu Coliseum.
Katsidis, who is on a two-fight losing streak against former world champions Joel Casa-mayor and Juan Diaz, is looking to redeem himself against Ramirez for the World Boxing Organization Asia-Pacific lightweight title.
The 28-year-old former WBO interim lightweight titleholder has prepared well for Ramirez, training in Thailand and sparring with WBO Oriental super featherweight king Anthony ?Rocky? Marcial, who will also be defending his crown against Thailand?s Vacharakrit Senayan.
Sparring
?Katsidis has been sparring with opponents of different styles. He has been sparring with left and right handed fighters. So he will be ready whatever Ramirez brings in front of him.
?I don?t know a lot about Ramirez because his fights are only in Spain and Argentina but they say that he?s a good,? said Gello-ani.
Katisdis arrived in Cebu last night and is staying at his official home, the Marriot Hotel.
On the other hand, his opponent, Ramirez, will be arriving this afternoon along with WBO representative Leon Panoncillo.
Title-defense
Also defending their crowns in this fight card will be WBO Oriental super bantamweight champion Ciso ?Kid Terrible? Morales, against Pichit-choke Singmanasak and WBO Asia Pacific Youth flyweight titlist Marvin ?Marvelous? Sonsona, against Liempetch Sor Veerapol.
The tickets for this fight are available at the Marriot Hotel lobby, Sunburst outlets and at the Cebu Coliseum.
The first bout will start at 5 p.m. and will be shown on Studio 23 (delayed telecast) at 9 p.m. and will be replayed the following day on ABS-CBN at 9 a.m.
