Michael Katsidis

Michael Alan Katsidis (English: kat-SEE-deez; Greek: Mιχάλης Κατσίδης; born 15 August 1980) is an Australian professional boxer. He is a two-time former WBO interim lightweight champion and world title challenger whose crowd-pleasing, all-action fighting style has often drawn comparisons with the late Arturo Gatti.

Amateur career

In an amateur career which began at the age of eleven, Katsidis compiled a record of 75–6. During this time he represented the Australian Olympic team in the lightweight division at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. He also attained a scholarship at the Australian Institute of Sport.

2000 Olympic results

Professional career

2001–07

Katsidis made his professional debut on 1 December 2001 by stopping Danny Wilson in the third round for the Queensland State lightweight title. In his second fight on 9 March 2002, he won a twelve-round unanimous decision over James Swan for the Australian lightweight championship. He would go on to score another nineteen wins, nearly all by knockout, while amassing a further three lower-level titles: the Australian light-welterweight, WBO Asia Pacific lightweight and IBF Pan Pacific lightweight championships, respectively.