By Mark Vester

Lightweight contender Michael Katsidis (23-2, 20KOs) will return on January 31 against Angel Hugo Ramirez (19-4-2, 8KOs) in Cebu City of the Philippines. Katsidis returns for the first time since the September split-decision loss to Juan Diaz. Like most fighters from 130 to 147-pounds - he wants a crack at Manny Pacquiao.

Katsidis’ manager/trainer Brendon Smith tells Aussie website SportsNut that Ricky Hatton will beat Pacquiao when the two fighters come together, and the loss will send Pacquiao back to the lightweight division. He says Katsidis would have beaten De La Hoya in the same fashion as Pacquiao, and believes Pacquiao is very beatable for a fighter with the style of Katsidis.

"A fight between Michael and Manny has been mooted for a long time and it probably would have happened if Michael had not lost a close decision to Juan Diaz in his last fight,’’ Smith said. "The Philippines is a boxing capital on the world scene and Michael is already very popular there following his win over Czar Amonsot."

"We would love the fight with Pacquiao. He scored a good win over Oscar De La Hoya but if Oscar had fought Michael it would have been the same result. Michael would have stopped him as well. Our opinion on Manny has not changed following that win. He is a great fighter but very beatable for a strong aggressive walk-up puncher like Ricky Hatton and Michael Katsidis.’’

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