Marquez Faces Hungry Lion in Katsidis

by Nat Gottlieb

Photo by Gene Blevins - Hoganphotos/Golden Boy Promotions

Juan Manuel Marquez outclasses Michael Katsidis on paper. But Max Kellerman says youth, aggressiveness and a strong will to win might just enable the Aussie to pull off a stunning upset.

Katsidis is the kind of action hero they make comic book movies about. He fights with reckless abandon, never quits and always gives fans their money's worth. The difference between him and Spider-Man, Batman and Iron Man is that those guys always overcome all odds to win. The same can't be said about Katsidis.

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Jim Lampley, Roy Jones Jr. and Max Kellerman on Marquez vs. Katsidis

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CompuBox Factors: Brawlers Beware

In this era of superstar showcases, Juan Manuel Marquez has blazed an old-school trail. Since stopping the 26-8 Hector Javier Marquez (no relation) in June 2002, his ledger boasts future Hall of Famers (Mayweather, Barrera, Pacquiao), credible champions (Casamayor, John, Gainer, Diaz, Salido, Medina) and rugged contenders with excellent records (Jaca, Jandaeng, Juarez, Polo). In his mind, why take lay-ups when there are three pointers to try?

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Odds Don't Apply to Marquez-Katsidis Fight

America will get a chance to exorcise its Black Friday rage this weekend when Juan Manuel Marquez and Michael Katsidis clash on Saturday in what's sure to be a heart-filled fight. Vegas has Marquez favored 3-1, but according to famed trainer/manager and HBO analyst Emanuel Steward, the numbers don't tell the whole story: “To me, the fight is much closer than anyone else thinks. Marquez is technically maybe a little bit better, but I think that he’s really not a true lightweight. He’s a 130-pounder. And the wear and tear is an issue. Katsidis is maybe not as talented, but with the unbelievable fire and drive that he’s got, I think it’s going to be a very, very tough fight. Just like with his Australian countryman, Jeff Fenech, that burning drive and determination is a major factor that you can’t measure in terms of skill.”

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