19.08.05 – By Tony Nobbs: Lightweight contender Michael ‘Rocky’ Katsidis (WBO #2, IBF #13) stopped determined Filipino Ranee Ganoy in five exciting rounds at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Queensland last night. Katsidis (now 18-0, 16 KO’s) started slowly, not taking any risks against the dangerous Ganoy (now 17-15-2, 14 KO’s), before taking control late in the fourth and then swarming all over his opponent in the fifth. With Ranee pinned against the ropes the 25 year old Australian world title hope blazed away at wherever he saw skin until referee Chris Daley called a halt at 2.03 of the round after Ganoy’s mouthguard came flying out.
The imports best round was the third and he put together several ominous looking flurries through out. Ganoy proved a tough opponent. Katisidis scored a knockdown in round two courtesy of a chopping right hand but the more Ranee took, the harder he tried to fight back. In the end, Michael had too much overall skill and firepower. Katsidis was up on the scorecards by 40-35, 39-36 and 38-37 after the fourth stanza.
A crowd of around 2000 witnessed a good night of boxing, promoted by Katsidis trainer-manager Brendan Smith’s Ringstar Promotions.
In undercard action, improving heavyweight Baden Oui stopped Australian # 3 super cruiserweight Alex Leapai in the fourth round. Set six. RSC on towel. Oui was deducted a point for a punch (right hand) to the back of the head which decked Leapai for several seconds. Oui is due to challenge Mark Alexander for the Queensland state title on September 23.
Kane Mc Kay won his light heavyweight contest when Allan Reynish (#4 Aussie super cruiser) withdrew after round five due to a broken hand. Mc Kay was cut in the first and decked in the second and was behind on points at conclusion. In four rounders, Damien Smith outpointed Jiy Russell at lt heavy, Chris Mc Cullen won a decision over Michael Ravetti at welter and Craig Monagle battled to a draw with Joe Whittaker, welterweights.