by James Slater: Both Michael Katsidis and Juan Diaz are crowd-pleasing fighters who almost always give great, all-action type performances. As such, when the two world class lightweights clash on September the 6th in Diaz’s hometown of Houston a thrilling bout can be expected.
Katsidis only knows one way to fight. Referred to by some as “the new Arturo Gatti,” the Australian slugger has already given us at least three classic wars. His five round battle with Britain’s Graham Earl in February of last year was awesome, as was “The Great’s” points win over game Thai Czar Amonsot last July. Then, in his last fight this past March, the 27-year-old from Toowoomba, Queensland gave us his third epic when he lost a sensational slugfest with veteran Joel Casamayor..
Katsidis lost both his unbeaten record and his interim WBO 135 pound title to “El Cepillo,” the 10th round TKO being Katsidis’ sole career loss, but even here he had his moments, scored a knockdown and went out on his shield. What is there not to like about Michael Katsidis and the way he fights?
As for Juan Diaz, he too is usually an all-action fighter. The younger man by three years at 24, “The Baby Bull” has actually had more pro fights than the man he will be exchanging leather with in September. Also beaten only once, again in his last fight, Diaz was out-pointed in something of an upset when he met another veteran in Nate Campbell. Diaz, who lost his WBA, IBF and WBO lightweight belts, was not stopped, but lost a unanimous decision that was wide on two cards. Before that, Diaz had beaten some very good fighters in pleasing fights.
Acelino Freitas was made to quit after eight thrilling rounds in March of 2007, and Julio Diaz was made to do likewise after nine compelling rounds in “The Baby Bull’s” next fight. By this stage, the 24-year-old had already enjoyed a long run as a world champion and he was expected to remain on top going into his fight with Campbell. Instead, he lost for the first time and he now faces Katsidis in a non-title comeback fight the winner hopes will pave the way for another world title shot.
We can certainly expect an entertaining fight. Both men know everything is on the line and will fight accordingly. Again, neither guy knows anything but an aggressive way in which to fight. Look for a mid-ring explosion as the two warriors go at it in Houston. I like Diaz by close decision, but Katsidis is a slugger who can NEVER be written off. Get ready for a war!