Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Be thankful for Michael Katsidis: Boxer deals with death of brother to fight this weekend

Boxers are a special breed. Sure they fight to make a living, but they also put their health and well-being on the line to entertain us, the boxing fans. Michael Katsidis certainly had a valid excuse to bail from his fight this weekend in Las Vegas against Juan Manuel Marquez, instead Katisidis is dealing with the recent death of his older brother and stepping between the ropes at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Stathi Katsidis, a top thoroughbred jockey in Australia, was found dead in his Brisbane home on Oct. 19. The 31-year-old was found by his girlfriend. 

"This was one tough camp," Katsidis said. "I know there's been speculation on my brother's death last month. He was very close to me. It was tough, but nothing in this sport is ever easy. We've come out here because I'm here to fight and I'm here to win."

Understandably, Katsidis and his management team requested that the death of brother stayed off limits as a topic during the prefight. He first learned of his brother's death while training in the jungles of Thailand. 

Katsidis is a well-liked character in the world of boxing. He handle himself with class in trying to secure the bout. He attended the postfight press after Marquez beat Juan Diaz and politely stated his case. Marquez granted him the bout instead of holding out for months waiting for a fight with Manny Pacquiao. 

"I really applaud Michael Katsidis's character," Marquez said. "He's suffering from the death of his brother, and I applaud him. Everybody knows Michael Katsidis is a strong fighter. He's a warrior."

The Marquez-Katsidis fight highlights a very solid card on Saturday. Andre Berto looks to defend his WBC 147-pound title and stay in the mix for some major fights in 2011. At 130, Celestino Cabellero moves up to battle Jason Litzau.

Lauren Bush Natalie Zea Brody Dalle Taryn Manning Nikki Cox

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