Thanks to HBO and Showtime, American boxing fans will have something to watch other than your normal Turkey Day Rocky marathons.
Future Hall of Famer Juan Manuel Marquez, steps up to defend his lightweight championship in a unification bout against the 27 and 2 Australian Michael Katsidis Saturday (HBO, 9:45 p.m. ET).
Katsidis who is no stranger of slugging it out abroad enters the ring bitter sweet this Saturday night in Las Vegas after the unexpected death of his older brother, Stathi, 31 a month ago. Katsidis released this statement after his brother?s death.
?I have lost my closest friend, my inspiration in life, my one and only brother. … The fight will go on! I will do this for Stathi, my family and myself. We will fight this fight together. I know this is what he wants.”
During a press conference Marquez gave much respect and praise for Katsidis.
“I really applaud Michael Katsidis’ character and bravery for taking this fight after the death of his brother,” I have the greatest respect for him and wish the best for his family. Everyone knows Katsidis is a strong fighter and a warrior.”
In the undercard, undefeated Andre Berto (26-0, 20 KOs) throws his WBC welterweight title on the line against a slick Freddy Hernandez (29-1, 20 KOs).
On the opposite side of the dial, Showtime continues on with it?s successful World Boxing Classic tournament with a star studded third-round super middleweight matchup between England’s Carl Froch (26-1, 20 KOs) and Germany’s Arthur Abraham (31-1, 25 KOs). This is pegged to be a slugger?s battle that is expected to be a very exciting fight for the vacant WBC super middleweight title. (Showtime, 9 p.m. ET)
Also on the broadcast will be a non Super Six bout featuring Olympic gold medalist Andre Ward (22-0, 13 KOs) who is putting his WBA super middleweight title on the line against the tough Sakio Bika (28-4-2, 19 KOs) in Oakland.
Bika stepped in as a replacement for Andre Dirrell after he pulled out of the tournament due to lingering neurological problems after being hit while he was down during his fight against Abraham . Dirrell won that match when Abraham was disqualified for the illegal blow.
