Michael Katsidis says Juan Manuel Marquez fight will go on
Michael Katsidis, Australian WBO interim lightweight champion, has confirmed that a November 27 title fight with Juan Manuel Marquez will go on following the tragic death of his brother.
In an official statement released today, Katsidis expressed his sadness at the turn of events but said he will commence with the bout in his brother’s honour.
“I have lost my closest friend, my inspiration in life, my one and only brother,” Katsidis began. “This is something I could never imagine, but for some reason I feel his life is not a loss. My brother is me. We live our lives through each other. We
dedicate our triumphs to one another and share the challenges we face in life […] The fight will go on. I will do this for Stathi, my family and myself.”
Katsidis will meet WBO/WBA/Ring lightweight champ Juan Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas, Nevada. Katsidis has won his last four bouts, and is ranked by Ring Magazine the No.1 lightweight contender in the world.
Stathi Katsidis, one of Australia’s most prominent jockeys, was found dead in his home in Brisbane Tuesday. He was found by his girlfriend Melissa Jackson, who bore him a son.
“The moment I walked in for a grueling sparing session after hearing the news of his death earlier that day, my trainer Brendon Smith shook my hand and said to me ‘you are about to take the bravest step of your life,’” Katsidis said. “We nodded, smiled
and went to work. I worked as I have never done before. He is with me and will be all the way. I am happy about this.”
The cause of Stathi Katsidis’s death has yet to be determined, though he had a history of drug and alcohol problems. Jackson confirmed that he went out Monday night for drinks with some friends. In 2008 he tested positive for ecstasy.
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