Katsidis - Talk about a Tough 1st Defence!

The Hawk · Post by **The Hawk** » 31 Mar 2007, 14:10

Fightnews.com

Guzman-Katsidis May 26th!
By Lee Bates
Manager Jose Nunez revealed to Fightnews that an explosive showdown between his fighter WBO super featherweight champion Joan Guzman (27-0, 17 KOs) and WBO lightweight champion Mike Katsidis (22-0, 20 KOs) is now official and will take place May 26th in Anaheim, CA. The bout will be for Katsidis's world title and broadcast on HBO. After weeks of negoiations, a relieved Nunez got the result that he wanted. "I worked around the clock to get this deal done and I'm confident my fighter will become a three-division champion come May 26th. I am also proud to announce that Guzman's protege from the Dominican Republican, hot featherweight prospect Argenis Mendez will be making his televison debut on undercard of Miguel Cotto/Zab Judah June 9th." Mendez, who is also managed by Nunez, will be in opening bout of the pay-per-view telecast.

After his fight with Earl, no soft touch for the exciting Katsidis as he takes on Guzman. I can't see Katsidis having the savvy to beat Guzman, even though Guzman's moving to lightweight.

It's going to be an exciting fight and that's what it all should be about. Fair play to Katsidis for taking on a heck of a tough 1st defence when he could have taken on a soft touch I'm sure and protected the title, good to see he's as game as his Boxing.

lvlarc · Post by **lvlarc** » 31 Mar 2007, 14:24

Agreed, quality fight. Guzman has had some stamina issues recently brought on with the weight so I think 135 will make him a more complete fighter. Nice to see Freitas unifying with Diaz too, Pacquiao has said in the past that he'd move upto Lightweight, I imagine Valero will aswell. 135 will be stacked of talent again. I'd favour Guzman also.

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 31 Mar 2007, 15:33

Guzamn hasn't carried his power up to Super Feather - so I don't think Kastidis will fear him at the weight. However, Guzman is an underated boxer and I think he will outbox the Aussie.

Good fight, tough to call - but I would rather see Guzman stick at Super Feather and try and get a match with Pacquiao, Barrera, Marquez or even Rocky Juarez.

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 31 Mar 2007, 16:09

Guzman looked horrible last time out, v Antonio Davis. 130 doesn't need this guy. Soto can take his place easily. Better fighter, Soto. Or Klassen, another excellent boxer. In fact, a stylist similar to Guzman, less powerful but fitter.

Sweet P · Post by **Sweet P** » 01 Apr 2007, 05:12

I'm tipping an upset
Katsidis by KO in 6 rounds

harrygreb · Post by **harrygreb** » 01 Apr 2007, 05:18

my head says guzman outpoints the ruff tuff katsidis - but not without a scare

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 01 Apr 2007, 06:25

Guzman's ppl deny rumours of this fight.

hitman_hatton1 · Post by **hitman_hatton1** » 01 Apr 2007, 08:56

this clears the path for alex arthur don't it.

guzman beats katsidis i reckon.

should be a good fight though.

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 01 Apr 2007, 16:58

Guzman's pushing it. He can't get the weight right despite having the talent. It gets you back to that old debate of what weight a fighter would be at if not for day before weigh ins. Is Joan Guzman a super bantam or a lightweight? Will we ever know?

WildWaylon · Post by **WildWaylon** » 01 Apr 2007, 17:28

Katsidis for this one, IMO Guzman will have problems thwarting the vicious attacks from Katsidis who will force a late stoppage and cause a real upset because I think the money will be on Guzman to win.

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 02 Apr 2007, 03:29

Let's wait till GUZMAN'S PPL agree to the fight. They were very surprised that it was "official."

steve689 · Post by **steve689** » 02 Apr 2007, 09:45

Looks like it was all shouted out a bit too soon, as usual in this sport.

http://www.boxingtribune.com/index.php? ... cle&id=847