Statement from Michael Katsidis - Will fight on November 27t

[robpalmer135]

Official statement (obviously I didn't cry when I read it)

I have lost my closest friend, my inspiration in life, my one and only brother. This is something I could never imagine, but for some reason I feel his life is not a loss. My brother is me! We live our lives through each other. We dedicate our triumphs to one another and share the challenges we face in life. What does someone do when they lose the one person in their life like this? They are devastated right? Allow me to share with you Stathi’s thoughts and what he wants. If you can believe me, I feel you will all be somewhat enlightened to hear what I have say.

The fight will go on! I will do this for Stathi, my family and myself. The moment I walked in for a grueling sparring session after hearing the news of his death earlier that day, my trainer Brendon Smith shook my hand and said to me “you are about to take the bravest step of your life.” We nodded, smiled and went to work. I worked as I have never done before. He is with me and will be all the way. I am happy about this.

I have never experienced anything like I felt that day. Stathi is inside me! We will fight this fight together. I know this is what he wants.

I would like to thank everyone for their well wishes and prayers for my brother, my family and myself. God bless.

[Deserter]

Thanks for posting that Rob as within the context of boxing that's right up there with the most moving things I've ever read.
I was already a big fan of Katsidis but that is just something else. What a man. Nothing else to say.

[Bennyblanco]

My money will be on katsidis for this one.

[SweetLikeSugar]

Juan Manuel Marquez is a terrific boxer, a great prfessional and a gentleman but I'll be screaming for Katsidis to win this one.

[MightyWarrior]

What a brave man, good luck to him.

[jamesmcdonnell]

I'm happy for either man to win. Katsidis is the definition of a blood and guts warrior, and Marquez is an underrated and underappreciated gem of a fighter.

I wonder if this is too soon for Katsidis - however it could also provide the extra motivation in both the gym and the ring, if indeed Katsidis ever needed any extra incentive.

This I think is going to be a terrific fight. Katsidis is more experienced than when he lost to Casamayor, Marquez is I think a little on the slide, but probably not by as much as Casamayor was.

A pretty even affair, make Marquez a slight favourite, as he has the better skillset, but Katsidis may be able to do what Diaz was unable to, and press him long and hard enough to grind him down - a pretty big ask, but Marquez is pretty old now, and the engine cannot be what it was. He's a tough hombre, one of the toughest mexicans for quite some time (see his first fight with Pacman if you want conclusive proof), Mayweather never even attempted to dent him, and nobody, but nobody has ever been able to stop him.

If ever Katsidis has a chance it's now, Marquez.

I will be rooting for both men.

[ShadrachSimmo]

Should be a great fight JMM is gettin on a bit but he's still dangerous and katsidis is a warrior through and through. I'll be rooting for both guys.

[SAPFO]

What a man! I hope he wins it for his bro. I bet the greiving will be done when the final bell sounds, and hopefully he is champ. Nothing agaist JJM here.

[bigh]

top man hope he wins!!!!

[rpms]

He has to be one of the classiest individuals in sport today.
Reading that gave me goosebumps

[reggaereggae]

He has to be one of the classiest individuals in sport today.
Reading that gave me goosebumps

Agreee....what a gutsy guy...fighters like Katsidis are why I love boxing

[freddydoesdallas]

Takes some steel to be able to carry on and fight after what's happened to him, especially with the pair of them being so close.

I can see the emotion playing into Marquez's hands though and him countering at will before eventually breaking him down. This might push the price on Marquez out from 2/5 so might have to have a few quid on him

[lefty]

I'm happy for either man to win. Katsidis is the definition of a blood and guts warrior, and Marquez is an underrated and underappreciated gem of a fighter.

I wonder if this is too soon for Katsidis - however it could also provide the extra motivation in both the gym and the ring, if indeed Katsidis ever needed any extra incentive.

This I think is going to be a terrific fight. Katsidis is more experienced than when he lost to Casamayor, Marquez is I think a little on the slide, but probably not by as much as Casamayor was.

A pretty even affair, make Marquez a slight favourite, as he has the better skillset, but Katsidis may be able to do what Diaz was unable to, and press him long and hard enough to grind him down - a pretty big ask, but Marquez is pretty old now, and the engine cannot be what it was. He's a tough hombre, one of the toughest mexicans for quite some time (see his first fight with Pacman if you want conclusive proof), Mayweather never even attempted to dent him, and nobody, but nobody has ever been able to stop him.

If ever Katsidis has a chance it's now, Marquez.

I will be rooting for both men.

Too soon?!Im assuming you mean in terms of the tragedy?

[jessi]

what a man ! thats all i can say, "WHAT A MAN", come on katsidis you can do this.