Katsidis is fighting this Sunday

[Truth Bearer]

Katsidis keen to knock up Aussie ranking
July 13, 2007 -


A fit and focused WBO interim lightweight world champion Michael Katsidis is primed to boost Australia's sagging fighting fortunes next week against an opponent whose country is currently enjoying a huge surge in their boxing stocks.

Queenslander Katsidis, 26, will make his American debut and first title defence against Czar Amonsot of the Philippines in Las Vegas on July 21.

Current WBO Asia Pacific champion Amonsot, who has an impressive 18-2 record, will be hoping to emulate the recent triumphs of some of his countrymen.

Just last week, US-based Filipino Glenn Donaire took the IBF flyweight world title from Australia's Vic Darchinyan.

On the same weekend, Florante Condes won the IBF strawweight title.

With multi-world title winning Manny Pacquiao widely regarded as the sport's most exciting fighter and another Filipino Ranee Ganoy recently toppling Australia's former IBF super featherweight champion Robbie Peden, the Philippines is emerging as a genuine international boxing force.

Conversely, Australia has slipped down the world pecking order with Darchinyan and Lovemore Ndou both losing world titles in the last month.

"We expect a really tough fight from this young Filipino," said Brendon Smith, the trainer of the Katsidis.

"I expect him to grow an extra arm and leg in this fight being a title fight and the Filipino fighters have got their tail up at the moment and they are good fighters."

Smith said Katsidis was looking strong after working with Mexico's former WBC light middleweight world champion Lupe Aquino and several southpaws, whom he declined to name.

Smith has deliberately released few details of his fighter's preparations after what happened in the lead up to the proposed but ultimately postponed fight with Joan Guzman.

While two division world champion Guzman withdrew from the fight with a hand injury, the Katsidis camp felt their opponent might have been warned off by reports of the Australian's strong gym form.

To that end, Katsidis has been training virtually in private at a gym in Venice Beach where they can control the flow of people.

"Over the last seven weeks we've kept it very low-key," Smith said.

"We've only made one public appearance where Michael had a photo shoot with Oscar de la Hoya and Bernard Hopkins and Shane Mosley," Smith said.

After watching his charge win the interim title in front of a large British crowd, Smith had no fears about Katsidis handling the hype of a major Las Vegas promotion.

"He's never been to Vegas and it doesn't bother him, as far as he is concerned once you are inside the ropes it doesn't matter where you are," Smith said.

"He's a very level-headed young man. He got great experience going to England with a 12,000 crowd against him, so coming into a coliseum like Mandalay Bay, it doesn't faze this young bloke."

© 2007 AAP

YouTube - KATSIDIS THE KING " title="YouTube - KATSIDIS THE KING" target="_blank">YouTube - KATSIDIS THE KING

[Truth Bearer]

First time ever a Greek holds a boxing world title.........
Very proud of his Hellenic heritage 3rd generation Greek(Grandfather came over from Hellas).

YouTube - KATSIDIS GLORY " title="YouTube - KATSIDIS GLORY" target="_blank">YouTube - KATSIDIS GLORY

[Truth Bearer]

His nickname is "The Great" in honour of Alexander III king of the Hellenes!!!!

Katsidis

[Truth Bearer]

Katsidis is fighting this Sunday
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Katsidis keen to knock up Aussie ranking
July 13, 2007 -


A fit and focused WBO interim lightweight world champion Michael Katsidis is primed to boost Australia's sagging fighting fortunes next week against an opponent whose country is currently enjoying a huge surge in their boxing stocks.

Queenslander Katsidis, 26, will make his American debut and first title defence against Czar Amonsot of the Philippines in Las Vegas on July 21.

Current WBO Asia Pacific champion Amonsot, who has an impressive 18-2 record, will be hoping to emulate the recent triumphs of some of his countrymen.

Just last week, US-based Filipino Glenn Donaire took the IBF flyweight world title from Australia's Vic Darchinyan.

On the same weekend, Florante Condes won the IBF strawweight title.

With multi-world title winning Manny Pacquiao widely regarded as the sport's most exciting fighter and another Filipino Ranee Ganoy recently toppling Australia's former IBF super featherweight champion Robbie Peden, the Philippines is emerging as a genuine international boxing force.

Conversely, Australia has slipped down the world pecking order with Darchinyan and Lovemore Ndou both losing world titles in the last month.

"We expect a really tough fight from this young Filipino," said Brendon Smith, the trainer of the Katsidis.

"I expect him to grow an extra arm and leg in this fight being a title fight and the Filipino fighters have got their tail up at the moment and they are good fighters."

Smith said Katsidis was looking strong after working with Mexico's former WBC light middleweight world champion Lupe Aquino and several southpaws, whom he declined to name.

Smith has deliberately released few details of his fighter's preparations after what happened in the lead up to the proposed but ultimately postponed fight with Joan Guzman.

While two division world champion Guzman withdrew from the fight with a hand injury, the Katsidis camp felt their opponent might have been warned off by reports of the Australian's strong gym form.

To that end, Katsidis has been training virtually in private at a gym in Venice Beach where they can control the flow of people.

"Over the last seven weeks we've kept it very low-key," Smith said.

"We've only made one public appearance where Michael had a photo shoot with Oscar de la Hoya and Bernard Hopkins and Shane Mosley," Smith said.

After watching his charge win the interim title in front of a large British crowd, Smith had no fears about Katsidis handling the hype of a major Las Vegas promotion.

"He's never been to Vegas and it doesn't bother him, as far as he is concerned once you are inside the ropes it doesn't matter where you are," Smith said.

"He's a very level-headed young man. He got great experience going to England with a 12,000 crowd against him, so coming into a coliseum like Mandalay Bay, it doesn't faze this young bloke."

© 2007 AAP

YouTube - KATSIDIS THE KING

Katsidis

[Truth Bearer]

This Katsidis entering the ring now this is his motto showing how proud he is of his Greek heritage(3rd generation).He is from Kozani so he's also a very proud MACEDONIAN.We need as Greeks to support him and tell all to watch the big fight this Sunday as there will be a few huge suprises in all for us.First time a Greek holds a boxing world title and hopefully if he wins this one his next fight he will fight to unify all titles under one.His nickname now is Mike "The Great" Katsidis in honour of Alexander III the king of all Hellenes!!!!
Remember lads and lassies the first time a Greek lad holds a boxing title lets give him our support!!!!!

[Truth Bearer]

As you can all see he holds both flags at all his fights.

[Truth Bearer]

We sent a letter to the Hellenic American association for moral support for Katsidis...

Hi Stella and Nina,
This Sunday in Nevada, a young Greek Australian is fighting for the Lightweight Championship of the world. It would be great to see a show of support from Greek Americans in the audience (Michael is undefeated 23-0)
For the record, Michael enters the ring dressed as Achilles, and for the entire fight it has been arranged that the Star of Vergina will cover his entire back.
Please pass onto your mailing list, the details below, as it would be great to see the Greek American community getting behind him.
Best Regards
AMAC

[PhiliptheUniterchaeronea]

That's very cool Truth Bearer. What a champ, his entrance looks very cool as well.

[Truth Bearer]

We must show our appreciation by supporting the young lad sprerad the word the boy is one of us.

[PhiliptheUniterchaeronea]

I hope we get it in our area. Funny, if one of the Greek Channels picked it up, I would easily get it. Dare we hope they have enough vision to do that? Sadly, no, not at this point. If Truth Bearer or one of the others worked for them, we would, but who ever said the coprorate world reads things that far in advance. When they sniff the money, they surely will.