Michael Katsidis Discusses 140 Run, Marquez Fight, More

By Ryan Burton

Former interim-lightweight titlist Michael Katsidis “The Great” (28-5, 23 KOs) returns to the ring later tonight, as he faces Albert “Tornado” Mensah (19-3-1, 7 KOs) an a ten round junior welterweight main event on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

BoxingScene.com: How are you feeling at 140-pounds?

I feel good with the power. I have a lot more power in the gym. The guys I've been sparring are a lot heavier and they have been perfect sparring partners. They are faster than the guys I'll be fighting. Its good when you can push a guy around the ring who weighs 160, and you weigh 140. Its a good confidence booster. Everything is looking good at what's looking to be a good win.

BoxingScene.com: You lost a few of your recent fights, but those took place at 135-pounds. Is the move to 140 a new direction for your career?

[Around the time when I lost those fights], my brother died, and then I lost three out my last four fights and now I'm going to turn it all around. Obviously this fight is for world title contention. I'm stronger, I'm fresher and I'm ready. This is the one where I turn it all around. I'm 31, Pacquiao is 35 and Marquez is 39, and I don't think that I sound like I'm a shot fighter.

BoxingScene.com: In Manny Pacquiao's last fight, he wasn't able to knock Marquez down. But when you fought Juan Manuel Marquez, you were able to knock him down and had him in trouble. Does that give you more confidence?

After knocking Marquez down, it would have been good to finish the job. But at 140, I'm sure that I would finish the job. I'm stronger, I have more power and I'm not wasting as much [to make weight]. I haven't stepped in a sauna at all for this fight.