Michael Katsidis outpointed Argentinian Angel Hugo Ramirez on scores of 98-87 and 96-89 (twice) today in Cebu City, clearing the way for the Aussie slugger to meet up with former lightweight titlist Julio Diaz in April.
Katsidis (24-2, 20 KO) broke a two-fight losing skid with the win. He lost last year in a disappointing fight against Juan Diaz in September, which was preceded by a TKO loss at the hands of Joel Casamayor in a knock-down, drag-out brawl in March.
The tough bleeder still has yet to beat a top-tier opponent. He fought valiantly against Casamayor, taking the lead on many scorecards after being knocked down twice in the first round, but his performance against Diaz was puzzling as the slugger tried to box a boxer, which failed miserably.
A fight with Julio Diaz (36-4, 26 KO) could be outstanding if it goes down. BoxRec.com has it tentatively set for April 10 in Cabazon, Calif., which could mean a date on Friday Night Fights, Versus or Shobox. That date shouldn't be taken to mean a ton just yet, though. For one thing, Katsidis says he would like to have a "big fight" back in Australia first. Outside of its importance to Australians, there is no "big fight" that is going to happen in Australia. Katsidis is saying he'd like to have another tune-up in front of a lot of friends and family.
Note: Though the link to the FOX Sports article above mentions that Diaz is the current IBF lightweight titleholder, he's not. He lost that title in September 2007 to Juan Diaz.