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The 31-year-old brother of lightweight boxing star Michael Katsidis was found dead in Australia, just days before he was set to ride in a horse race in Melbourne. Police suspect a drug overdose took the life of Stathi Katsidis, who had battled drug addiction previously, and was suspended from his sport in 2008 for testing positive for ecstasy.
What this means for Michael Katsidis' immediate future and planned November 27 fight against Juan Manuel Marquez is unknown, but all reports are that the Katsidis brothers were very close. Michael has been training for the fight in Thailand, where he lives now. One report says that he's in shock, as you might expect, and likely at this time is not terribly concerned about his fight.
A representative from Golden Boy Promotions had this to say to ESPN.com's Dan Rafael:
"Our concern right now is for Michael, not as to whether he will fight. He just lost his brother, who he was very close with. However long it takes, he will decide what he will do. Right now the fight is not a concern for us. We're concerned for him."
Stathi Katsidis had been doing well in recovery, reports indicate, and had ridden the most winning horses last year in Australia. Bad Left Hook sends our condolences and best wishes to the family and friends of Mr. Katsidis.