Katsidis Cops Another Blow On Title Trail

Sun Herald

Sunday September 17, 2006

By WINSOR DOBBIN

MICHAEL Katsidis travelled from Toowoomba to Thailand to make sure he was at his peak for his world title eliminator - but now that trip has put his plans at risk.

The unbeaten Queenslander, one fight away from a shot at WBO lightweight champion Acelino Freitas of Brazil, broke a rib while sparring with former world super-featherweight champion Yodsanan Sor Nanthachai, a devastating body puncher, in Pattaya on Wednesday.

It was a huge blow as Katsidis is due to face Mexican Osvaldo Lara in Toowoomba on October 14. The winner of that bout is guaranteed a crack at Freitas in the United States - a destination the Australian is now free to visit after resolving visa issues.

Katsidis, who has won all 21 of his professional bouts, was injured in the second round of a sparring session .

Trainer Brendon Smith halted the session and X-rays confirmed the camp's worst fears as Katsidis prepares to fight world No.8 Lara (10-4-1). The injury means Katsidis faces a drastically altered preparation, but he said there was no thought of pulling out of the fight. His last contest in the US had to be cancelled because of visa problems that followed a conviction for assault.

"After everything I've gone through, a broken rib isn't going to stop me," Katsidis said.

"It's just another speed bump in my way to winning a world title.

"We obviously have to be a bit careful, but I'm sure I can get through it."

© 2006 Sun Herald

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