Rising lightweight star Michael “Rocky” Katsidis showed that he is ready to take the next step up in his career after a 5th round TKO win over Filipino Ranee Ganoy on Friday night at the Convention & Exhibition Centre in Brisbane, Australia on a card promoted by Ringstar. The 25 year-old defended his WBO Asia Pacific title, showing better defence and more boxing skills than seen in the past.
“Patience was the key tonight. I used my brains,” Katsidis 18-0 (16) told his adoring home crowd after the win. “I love you Brisbane, thanks a lot.”
Now also known as the “Trojan Warrior”, Katsidis entered the arena before the fight wearing a large black Trojan helmet with high hair bristles on top. He stood in the middle of the ring arms raised trying to intimidate Ganoy and the Filipino just glared back at him with his own sadistic type smile. During the introductions both fighters maintained eye contact, Ganoy wearing a very confident smile suggesting he was confident an upset would be delivered tonight.
WBO No.2 rated Katsidis, in black trunks with gold trim and red boots, started strongly in round 1. There was much side to side movement from both men, but not a hint of nervousness or intimidation from Ganoy, in red shorts with white trim. Showing his power, Katsidis forced Ganoy back into the ropes with a strong right hand early in the 2nd round. The Filipino was then knocked down to one knee from a Katsidis right hand, but it was more of a guiding knockdown and Ganoy jumped back up quickly and appeared not to be hurt. To prove that was the case, Ganoy then launched an immediate attacking raid and for the first time in the fight, the improved defence and boxing skills of Katsidis were on display. He was able to take many of Ganoy flurries on the gloves and used better footwork to make his opponent miss. Katsidis was enjoying his work, smiling as he made Ganoy swing at thin air then landing one of his many strong counters. At the bell Ganoy stood mid ring momentarily and flashed his best glare at Katsidis, trying to show the Australian that he was not out of the fight.
Trainer Brendon Smith applauded Katsidis’ boxing in round 3, “that’s it, show him more angles,” he yelled. Ganoy’s corner would cheer aggressively anytime their man landed one his many strong punches, but whenever he did, Katsidis always roared back with his own right hand power punches.
Ganoy, realising that he was behind on the scorecards, landed a big right hand early in round 4, which hurt Katsidis. The blow seemed to anger the Australian who attempted to fire back immediately. Both men then exchanged on the inside and Ganoy landed a series of left and right hooks, followed by a huge left uppercut to the cheers of his corner. Katsidis backed Ganoy up on the ropes and in the best exchange of the fight both boxers battered each other sending the good crowd of over 1,500 into hysterics. Katsidis had Ganoy pinned and the gallant Filipino tried to fight his way off but he was hit with a series of brutal punches. The bell saved Ganoy and as he trudged back to his corner, he looked back at Katsidis and shot him another one of his gleaming smiles.
Katsidis forced Ganoy back onto the ropes in round 5 with another big right hand and then followed up with left and right hooks. There was no escape this time for Ganoy and his legs wilted under him as Katsidis rained in with his full arsenal at close quarters. Referee Chris Daley waving off the contest at the 2:03 minute mark.
The 25 year-old Ganoy 17-10-2 (14) had stopped his three previous opponents prior to facing Katsidis and had predicted a knockout win before the fight. The boast seemed to inspire the Toowoomba resident and he delivered an impressive performance. “I paced myself tonight and I knew the knockout was going to come,” he said.
In the main support bout, Baden Oui won by TKO4 over Alex Leapai at heavyweight. But Oui was penalised a point in the 3rd round for knocking Leapai down with a punch to the back of the head. Leapai had started well and never seemed as strong again after the illegal knockdown and a rematch would be just.
In other action, at welterweight Craig Monagle had a unanimous draw with Joe Whittaker. All three judges scored the fight 38-38. At light heavyweight Kane McKay won by TKO5 over Allan Reynish. McKay got off the canvas in the 2nd round to win the fight. Reynish’s corner stopped the contest after he had broken his right hand. At light heavyweight, Damien Smith won a unanimous points decision over Jiy Russell with judge’s scores of 40-36, 40-36 and 39-38. In the opening bout of the evening at welterweight Chris McCullen W4 Mike Rivetti, with judges scores of 40-36, 40-36 and 39-37.
It was announced during the night that Australian Sharon “Wild Thing” Anyos 10-3 (2) will face Argentine Marcela Eliana Acuna 19-4 (12) for the vacant WBC featherweight women’s world title on October 22 at the Convention Centre on the Gold Coast. Acuna started her career losing fights to women’s greats Christy Martin and Lucia Rijker, but is now on an eight-fight winning streak.
