BoxRec

According to this article, it does appear, as we surmised from Freitas's retirement, that #2 Earl will fight #1 Michael Katsidis for the vacant WBO title.

Katsidis cancelled a scheduled bout in Toowoomba this Saturday against Mexico's world No. 8 Osvaldo Lara after news he had been awarded the shot at the World Boxing Organisation crown left vacant by the retirement of Brazil's mighty titleholder Acelino Freitas.
Undefeated in 21 fights with 19 KO wins, Katsidis, 26, is the WBO's No. 1 contender.

Earl, 28, the No. 2 contender, has 24 wins (12 by KO) against one loss on points. He climbed from the canvas to win the Commonwealth lightweight title in London last year.

Katsidis's trainer-manager Brendon Smith, American matchmaker Sampson Lewkowicz, England's leading promoter allegedly and WBO officials reached agreement in the early hours of Saturday for Katsidis and Earl to fight for the vacant title.

The bout will take place within 90 days of the completion of a two-week purse bid period in which the promoter who offers the biggest purse will win the right to stage the bout.
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/stor ... 89,00.html

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=079141

Is Earl going to fight for the WBU title first?

Is it Katsidis thats banned from the USA? something to do with a past conviction

Well according to that, the fight will have to take place by January at the latest. Earl's fight due to be the 28th of October. Not implausible the WBU fight will go ahead. In fact Earl may want the rounds since he's not fought since beating Romanov. And I doubt we'd need worry about him getting beat, although his opponent (newly crowned TWBA champion of the world) may give him the rounds.
http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=036328

topper123 wrote:Is it Katsidis thats banned from the USA? something to do with a past conviction

That's him. Last i heard was that he finally got clearance to enter the US.

Katsidis is supposed to be a very good and very dangerous fighter. Earl was excellent against Romanov, but I get the feeling that this will be another step up for him and maybe a bridge too far. I predict an absolute cracker of a fight though.

c2ute wrote:Katsidis's record looks quite padded, how good is he really? 21 out of 21 with 19 KO's is impressive but who has he fought?
Murray, Bennett, Vanzie and Romanov look to be better names than anyone on Micheal's card.
Then again my knowledge of the fightersdown under is a bit limited.
Who wins then?

heres a selection i found on youtube. Certainly looks powerful and confident, stocky build.
Earl win have to start sharply as i think Katsidis will come out flying.

Also is Katsidis trying to do a gladiator impression?

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_q ... rch=Search