Golden Boy Promotions held their first press conference on Wednesday for their exciting May 26 HBO "Boxing After Dark" card billed as “Relentless” featuring one of the most intriguing lightweight fights in the last few years as undefeated WBO interim lightweight champion Michael Katsidis (22-0, 20 KO’s) defends his title against the dangerous undefeated two division champion Joan Guzman (27-0, 17 KO’s) in the main event at The Arena at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif.
Although neither fighter has yet to have established himself as a superstar in the sport, they both realize that could change after May 26th. Guzman has already won two WBO world titles, and Katsidis, a former Olympian, has quickly established himself as possibly the most exciting Australian fighter since Jeff Fenech, winning the Australian title in only his second professional fight (and going twelve rounds in the process).
“It’s a lifetime dream,” commented the undefeated Katsidis, “I only saw it in the Rocky movies. All my dreams now are becoming a reality.” With a little under a week in the United States, Katsidis has already been shaking things up at the Wildcard gym in Los Angeles, and is excited about the improvements in his game in recent months.
“I was here three months ago preparing, so it’s not new to me,” commented Katsidis, “I got the perfect preparation: I’m use to where I’m training. The main thing is that I’ve got my first fight here and I am so excited I’ve got this opportunity.”
However, Katsidis is hardly taking his undefeated foe lightly, recognizing that this is his toughest opponent to date. Although respectful of his opponent and thankful for the opportunity (a rare thing for a champion, even an interim champion, to feel obliged to comment on), Katsidis was confident of victory.
“My game plan is really going to depend on his, I think this is the opportunity to show I am not just a one style fighter, that there are different elements to my fighting style, and this is where it is all going to come out.”
His Dominican opponent, Joan Guzman, was equally confident however.
“All I can say is 'let the best man win’ and that man is going to be me.”
Guzman, who has already won a 122-pound WBO title (winning it in 2002 against Fabio Oliva) and the WBO 130-pound championship (winning it in 2006 against Jorge Barrios), is clearly the more experienced opponent, and one who feels eager to add another WBO title to his already impressive resume. Many insiders felt that he would have also captured the 126-pound title had he been given the opportunity to fight for it. But Guzman is looking ahead now to May 26th.
“I am very happy that HBO has their eye on me,” commented Guzman.
Guzman also downplayed the recent questions on his punching power, and on those who feel he might be ill-advised to slug it out with his Australian opponent.
“You guys all thought I was a knockout artist but I’ve been a boxer all my life.....I know Katsidis is coming to win and will be in great shape. He is a tremendous offensive fighter, but I am not sure about his defense, or if he cares much about his defense. He may be naturally bigger, but I do not think he will be able to deal with my speed. The plan is to give him angles and nail him with punches he doesn’t see."
Rounding off the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast is an exciting fight featuring undefeated Venezuelan Jorge Luis Linares (23-0, 14 KO’s) as he takes on Mexican veteran Oscar Larios (59-5-1, 37 KO’s). Larios is best known for a pair of victories over former champion Wayne McCullough (in defense of his WBC title) as well as a gritty decision loss to Manny Pacquiao back in 2006. Larios is seen as by far the toughest opponent ever faced by Linares, and if styles make fights, this one might just prove to be a war. Although Linares was unavailable today, Larios gave the media plenty to talk about as he thanked Golden Boy for the opportunity and promised a victory on May 26th.
“I am very excited about this fight," said Larios. "It is the biggest of my career. But there is a lot of pressure: one win and I stay in the picture; one loss and I am out of the picture, so you know I will be ready. I am the mandatory challenger to the WBC champion (Injin Chi), but the Korean keeps making excuses not to fight me. So my total focus now is on Linares, who is a young, tall, exciting puncher who I have a lot of respect for. I know him well. We both trained in the same gym for fights when we were in Tokyo.
“A lot of people may think my best days are behind me, but I do not care what they think. I still feel good and feel stronger fighting at featherweight. Making 126 pounds will not be a problem.
With tickets starting at $25, and ringside tickets at $100 for two world title fights, the HBO televised card might just go down as the best deal in boxing for 2007.
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