By Rick Reeno
BoxingScene.com was advised that Michael Katsidis will force his mandatory crack at WBO lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez. Katsidis decisioned Vicente Escobedo to capture the interim-title on the undercard of Marquez’s bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr. on September 19.
Nacho Beristain, manager/trainer of Marquez, has discussed several scenarios in the last few weeks. Some of those scenarios have Marquez moving back to 135-pounds, and others have him dropping to junior welterweight. He fought Mayweather at welterweight. Katsidis and his team have yet to receive an answer on which way Marquez plans to go. Katsidis is targeting Marquez for early next year.
“Sh*t or get off the pot. Fight me or give up the title,” Katsidis said.
Katsidis’ agent Sampson Lewkowicz told BoxingScene.com that either Marquez agrees to the fight or vacates his title [which in turn makes Katsidis the full champion].
“The champion can not stop the career of Michael Katsidis. If he doesn’t want to fight him, then give up your title and let Michael continue his career. Don’t put a stop on Michael Katsidis’ career. If he doesn’t want to fight, we will fight the proper opponent or challenger who is acceptable to HBO and Golden Boy Promotions,” Lewkowicz said.