HBO Wants Michael Katsidis-David Diaz For Jan

By Mark Vester

HBO is already making moves for their 2008 schedule. The network appears to be interested in putting together a slugfest battle between WBC lightweight champion David Diaz (33-1-1, 17KOs) and Michael Katsidis (23-0, 20KOs), better known as the Australian answer to Arturo Gatti.

The network wants to place the fight as the headliner to the first "Boxing after Dark" telecast of 2008, slated for January 12. HBO has already contacted Golden Boy Promotions, holding an option on Katsidis, and Golden Boy contacted Top Rank, the co-promoter of Diaz.

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Saturday | Jan 31, 2026

Bob Arum, president of Top Rank, told boxing scribe Dan Rafael that he's interested in making the fight if the deal is right.

"Sure, we'll do it. Why not, if the deal is right," Arum said.

Send News Tips and Comments To Mark Vester @ boxingscene@hotmail.com

Shakur vs Teofimo, Why Winning as the Underdog Is a BIG Deal Paulie & Algieri Break Down BIG FIGHT

In this episode, Paulie Malignaggi and Chris Algieri break down why winning as the underdog in a fight like this is such a big deal — not just for rankings, but for momentum, perception, and long-term stardom.

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