I would like to start this article with my condolences to Michael Katsidis due to the tragic loss of his brother Stathi. When people lose their family members, no words can ease the pain. Michael decided to go through with the fight, feeling his brother?s energy inside him, helping him prepare. I am sorry for his loss, and at the same time am inspired by his decision.
November 27th will be another one of those days when MGM Grand will be overtaken by a traffic of boxing fans. The stampede will go in one direction: towards the Garden Arena. Michael Katsidis (27-2-0) will be facing a seasoned veteran Juan Manuel Marquez (51-5-1) on that Saturday. While every fighter is different, there are sometimes things similar between them. Michael and Juan both love trading blows. We have all seen them both stand and fire back, letting their hands go with bad intentions against their opponents. In just a few weeks, the opportunity will present itself again, as they will meet inside the ring.
Juan is 7 years Michael?s senior, yet this fight is more of a test for Katsidis than it is for Marquez. Not to say that Michael is someone to disregard: he got where he is, with effort and determination. He is a hard hitter and seems to be able to take a punch. But Marquez is in a different category, with 51 fights his knowledge and ability to adjust is phenomenal.
This fight should be interesting, as its age against experience. Can the younger Katsidis prove to the fans that Juan is no longer the top lightweight figure? Can Juan make a statement via his performance, that while age means experience, it doesn?t necessarily mean loss of skill? Either way, expect fireworks in the ring on that Saturday night.
Marquez had a little snag in his late career, and I am not at all referring to Manny Pacquiao. Their fight with Manny was a real war, and made no dents in Marquez?s image. It?s the Mayweather fight that made Juan look different, weak and slow. Sure Juan had to go up 2 weight classes and fight a much bigger man; still the fight was stale. Floyd?s style did not provide Juan with an opportunity to do anything at all. Now, Marquez is on his way back up, looking for belt fights and hopefully another piece of the Pacquiao pie.
Michael?s two losses come via Joel Casamayor and Juan Diaz, both of whom suffered losses to Marquez (Diaz lost twice). This (although I am not much of a believer in the following) may make their fight even more interesting for some fans. It?s the man who beat the man factor playing in to this fight. This for Katsidis may present as a revenge fight, killing three birds with one stone. Beating a legend and the man who conquered his conquerors is a fight that most boxers can only wish for.
Let?s see what happens when the bell rings, dictating the start of something new for both men.
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