Michael Katsidis proud of his Greek heritage enters the ring wearing his trademark Greek helmet of war which as earned him the nickname "Katsidis the Great". Katsidis came to the US with a reputation as an all action boxer, promising to show American boxing fans new blood. Fighting on the Hopkins-Wright undercard in July 2007, Katsidis lived up to his reputation and kept his promise. His bout with Filipino Czar Amonsot turned out to be a bloody, bruising battle proving Katsidis to be a barnburner of a fighter!
On Saturday, March 22, 2008 at the Morongo Casino in Cabazon, California, Katsidis who was previously undefeated and the WBO lightweight interim champion was beaten by Joel Casamayor by 10th round TKO. In the opening minute of round one Katsidis was dropped twice by Joel Casamayor. By round four Katsidis turned the fight around and in round six knocked Casamayor out of the ring. In round ten Katsidis was dropped hard by a Casamayor left hook. Moments later referee Jon Schorle stopped the bout. At the time of stoppage Katsidis led 84-83 on two judge's score cards through round nine.
Now Katsidis is scheduled to fight Jesus Chavez on September 13th in Houston, Texas. Chavez just won a fight against Daniel Jimenez in April 2008 also at the Morongo Casino.
| Fight | Location | Date | Boxing Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Katsidis vs Chavez | Houston, TX | September 13, 2008 Saturday |
TBA |
Michael "The Great" Katsidis
Michael Katsidis, an Australian boxer of Greek heritage had an impressive amateur boxing career winning 75 of 81 fights before turning pro. In addition he was fought as a lightweight on the 2000 Australian Olympic boxing team in Sydney making it to the semifinals.
On December 1, 2001 in his professional debut Katsidis won the Queensland State lightweight title. Since then he has won the Australian lightweight, Australian light welterweight, IBF Pan Pacific lightweight, WBO Asia Pacific lightweight and interim WBO lightweight titles.
One of Katsidis' most notable fights was with Graham Earl in the UK on February 17, 2007 at the Arena in Wembley. Katsidis won the WBO lightweight interim title by a 5th round RTD when Earl's corner stops the fight between the 5th and 6th rounds due to cut over Earl's eye.
Katsidis vs Earl
Earl's corner throws the towel into the ring and the referee throws it back out without missing a beat!
Another notable fight for Katsidis took place on July 21, 2007 at the Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was Katsidis' first fight in the United States. In an all out war Katsidis fought and beat Filipino Czar Amonsot by a 12-round unanimous decision. Katsidis' left eye was swollen shut and his face bloodied from facial and eye cuts that required 26 stitches. Amonsot suffered a subdural hematoma.