Marquez-Katsidis in Doubt: Michael Hit With Tragedy

By Mark Vester

All of the major news sources in Australia are reporting that Michael Katsidis' brother, Stathi Katsidis, was found dead on Tuesday after what police are suspecting to be a drug overdose. Police have ruled out suicide. Stathi, 31-years-old, was a top thoroughbred horse jockey in Australia.

His fiance, Melissa Jackson, found his body at their Brisbane home. He was scheduled to ride in a major race this coming Saturday. He lived with Jackson and their four year old son, Brooklyn, near the Eagle Farm race course.

Jackson found Stathi in their bed on Tuesday morning and couldn't revive him. She called an ambulance to the home at 8.15am. Katsidis had been out with friends on Monday night and had a few drinks.

Ross Inglis, chairman of the Australian Jockeys Association, issued a statement calling the death "a great loss to Australian racing." Stathi had a history of drug and alcohol problems. Inglis was positive that he overcame his demons.

"We really felt that Stathi had turned the corner in the past years as evidenced by the fact he rode the most number of winners of any jockey in Australia last season."

Last weekend, Stathi spoke in detail to The Courier Mail newspaper about how he struggled with drugs and alcohol and how his fiance, and brother Michael, were the driving forces that helped him straighten out his life.

Michael is scheduled to fight WBO/WBA lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez on November 27 in Las Vegas. There are some doubts in the Australia media on whether or not Michael will go forward with the fight. He was very close with his brother.

The Herald News was able to reach a spokesman for Michael, who said the boxer was in a state of shock and not talking to anyone.

"We've just heard the news, Michael is in a state of shock and isn't talking."