Katsidis v Jesus Chavez

[Marlin]

MICHAEL Katsidis has charged back into the big time by landing a lightweight world title eliminator against Mexico's former two-division world champion Jesus Chavez in Texas.

The WBO-sanctioned bout on the April 4 promotion will be one of four major lightweight fights, with Joel Casamayor and Edwin Valero among the other boxers scheduled to appear.

Former WBO interim lightweight champion Katsidis returned to winning form against Angel Hugo Ramirez in the Philippines last week following successive losses to Casamayor and Juan Diaz.

Queenslander Katsidis, who was ranked sixth by the WBO before winning their Asia Pacific lightweight title last week, was poised to fight in Australia for the first time in almost three years until he was offered a place on a card which will be televised worldwide.

His trainer and manager Brendon Smith revealed he had spoken to some Australian businessmen in Melbourne about his charge fighting in the Victorian capital or in Brisbane.

He said Katsidis had also been offered a fight in California against former IBF lightweight world champion Julio Diaz.

"This is our home and ideally Michael does want to come back and fight here in Australia,'' Smith said. "But this card in Texas is being shown on (American cable television network) HBO and around the world, so naturally at the moment that's the best option on the table for his career.''

Katsidis, 28, boosted his professional record to 24-2 (20 KOs) with his unanimous ten round points win over Ramirez in Cebu City. Chavez 36, has a record of 44-4 (30 KOs).

He went nine rounds with former pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather in 2001 and subsequently won the WBC super featherweight title in 2003.

He lost that crown to Erik Morales after one successful defence and won the IBF lightweight title in 2005, before losing that in his first defence.

"He (Chavez) is a very good Mexican fighter and it will be a great fight for Michael,'' Smith said. "Michael has had ten rounds in the Philippines against Ramirez, so it's wonderful timing. You will see the best of Michael as you can't beat activity.''

Smith said Katsidis would train in Thailand before heading to the United States three to four weeks before the fight.

[Sweet P]

Katsidis needs to go to the US and find a better trainer. He is fit for his fights, but his tactics and advice in the corner is diabolical.
He isnt learning anything off his current trainer. He needs someone to teach him defence. He has all the offencive tools but lacks any defencive ability.

[Hounddawg]

couldn't agree more Ben, i think it's time for Katsidis to realize he isn't going to achieve what he wants to unless he changes a few things.
A new trainer would be the first change.

[Adamj1987]

he just needs a bit better defence hes always been susseptable to the shot streight down the middle if he could sort that out he wouldnt get cut as much and could become a better threat at lightweight, love the guy one of ma fave fighters hope he goes on and wins a title

[Bentley23]

freddy roach would fit well

but did freddy have a go at kat once?

[Sweet P]

One of the Mayweathers. He could keep Smith just needs someone to help them out. Smith gets him fit enough just isnt teaching him anything new.

[Hounddawg]

I don't think he would have any problems getting a profile trainer in the states, and there is always the option of Lewis and Hyder.

The guy he has at the moment IMO, will not get him wins against the top level Lightweights.