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Katsidis challenges old foe Diaz
ADRIAN WARREN
February 6, 2010 - 9:14PM
AAP
Australia's WBO interim lightweight boxing world champion Michael Katsidis has thrown out a 24-hour challenge to one of his former conquerors Juan Diaz for a March 27 rematch between the two men.
Katsidis dropped a split decision to Diaz in the American's home city of Houston in a September 2008 fight for the vacant IBO lightweight world championship.
The two fighters have had differing fortunes since that matchup.
Diaz lost to Mexican superstar Juan Manuel Marquez and split two fights with American Paul Malignaggi.
Conversely Katsidis recovered from his loss to Diaz by winning his next three fights and regaining the WBO interim lightweight world title.
While there has been talk of Katsidis fighting America's IBF junior lightweight world champion Robert Guerrero, the 29-year-old Australian said that was of little interest to him and a rematch with Diaz would have greater meaning.
"I propose to come to Houston on March 27 and put everything I have gained on the line," Katsidis said in a press release.
"Juan, this is your opportunity and I ask for a public response within the next 24 hours to show your willingness to accept this challenge."
Katsidis is currently training in Thailand in preparation for his next fight, irrespective of whether it is against Diaz.
ADRIAN WARREN
February 6, 2010 - 9:14PM
AAP
Australia's WBO interim lightweight boxing world champion Michael Katsidis has thrown out a 24-hour challenge to one of his former conquerors Juan Diaz for a March 27 rematch between the two men.
Katsidis dropped a split decision to Diaz in the American's home city of Houston in a September 2008 fight for the vacant IBO lightweight world championship.
The two fighters have had differing fortunes since that matchup.
Diaz lost to Mexican superstar Juan Manuel Marquez and split two fights with American Paul Malignaggi.
Conversely Katsidis recovered from his loss to Diaz by winning his next three fights and regaining the WBO interim lightweight world title.
While there has been talk of Katsidis fighting America's IBF junior lightweight world champion Robert Guerrero, the 29-year-old Australian said that was of little interest to him and a rematch with Diaz would have greater meaning.
"I propose to come to Houston on March 27 and put everything I have gained on the line," Katsidis said in a press release.
"Juan, this is your opportunity and I ask for a public response within the next 24 hours to show your willingness to accept this challenge."
Katsidis is currently training in Thailand in preparation for his next fight, irrespective of whether it is against Diaz.
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