Katsidis-Earl II anyone? by Ian McNeilly Jun 1st 2007

Michael Katsidis' manager and trainer Brendon Smith has revealed that the WBO interim lightweight title-holder would love the opportunity to rematch Graham Earl. Australian Katsidis defeated Earl in February, in a contest that is widely expected to be named fight of the year when the 2007 accolades are handed out, after the Luton fighter's trainer Johnny Eames retired his man during the minute interlude between rounds five and six. Eames and Earl have since parted company with speculation that the pair's views on the fighter's future differed. A right hook from Katsidis floored Earl with 33 seconds remaining in the first round and although he got up, another flurry of hooks, culminating with a right, put him down again. It was another big right hook from Katsidis that caused the damage in round two, prompting Eames to throw in the towel, which Mickey Vann then threw back over the ropes. However, Earl recovered and 13 seconds later managed to knock Katsidis over with a counter right hook as the Aussie landed a left and geared up for another right. Katsidis was deducted a point at the end of the third for a low blow, a round that some thought Earl had done enough to win. The judge's scorecards would have made for interesting reading as the furious action continued for another two rounds.  Smith reckons Eames made the right decision to withdraw Earl. “I think the fight was stopped at the right time,” said Smith. “Johnny Eames did the right thing when he pulled Graham Earl out because I believe Michael would have continued to land more heavy punches and secured a knockout win.” Katsidis was due to make the first defence of his title against WBO super-featherweight champion Joan Guzman last Saturday but the bout was cancelled after the Dominican sustained soft tissue damage to his left hand. Rather than wait until a rescheduled date on 11th August, Katsidis is now pursuing full WBO lightweight ruler Juan Diaz, who also holds the WBA ‘Super' title. The WBO have already sanctioned the fight but negotiations are still ongoing. “We are talking with Don King and hope to fight Juan Diaz for the full WBO title, but we would jump at the chance to fight Earl again,” said Smith. “Provided the money was fair and Frank Warren (Earl's manager and promoter) wanted to stage the contest then it wouldn't be a problem. Earl is a good fighter and we have a lot of respect for him. Another fight that would interest Michael is Jonathan Thaxton (British lightweight champion promoted by Mick Hennessy). “Either one of these two would be a great fight for England. We wouldn't even feel like we were fighting away from home because of the way we were welcomed during our time in England in February. I'm sure that all the fans would like to see Michael and Earl get it on again.”

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