By Rick Reeno
BoxingScene.com has heard that Juan Manuel Marquez must defend his WBO lightweight title against interim-champion Michael Katsidis. If he tries to side-step Katsidis, he will get stripped and Katsidis will become the full champion. From what I was told, the WBO has issued letters directing Marquez to defend his belt against Katsidis.
Marquez won the vacant title back in February when he knocked out Juan Diaz. The WBO allowed him to go forward with a September fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr - as long as he agreed to defend his title against the winner of Katsidis vs. Vicente Escobedo, who fought for the interim-title on the Mayeather-Marquez undercard.
Considering Marquez's options, I seriously doubt the possibility of him agreeing to fight Katsidis. In the last month alone, at least half a dozen fighters have expressed interest in fighting Marquez - including Ricky Hatton, Amir Khan, Paulie Malignaggi and Edwin Valero. And, there is still no guarantee that Marquez will even return to 135-pounds.
