"I know plenty of people will be surprised by this comment - but it's not the title that is pushing me." Former World champion Michael Katsidis will challenge undefeated Kaewfah Tor Buamas for a WBC title.
MICHAEL KATSIDIS will head to China chasing personal redemption and also a return to World boxing's elite on September 12.
After making the decision to continue his career he now has a golden opportunity to return to boxing's elite.
The former two time World lightweight champ will take on undefeated Thai rising star Kaewfah Tor Buamas over 10 rounds for the WBC Asian Boxing Council Continental lightweight title in Hangzhou China on a card promoted by the legendary Liu Gang in association with Smithy's TGW promotions.
"What a great sport boxing is," Michael Katsidis said with a grin.
"It's given me so much and now once again I have an opportunity of a life time.
"I get to return to the ring, I get to do it on a card headed up by none other than the great Mr Liu Gang and the icing on the cake - if I can be victorious I earn a WBC Asian Boxing Council Continental title and a World rating.
"I know plenty of people will be surprised by this comment - but it's not the title that is pushing me.
"Of course I want to win this belt, but like I've said so many times since I've come back to Toowoomba - I didn't look for boxing but I believe boxing has found me again.
"My focus is on being a better person and a better friend to Brendon Smith and his family.
"Through boxing and this bout I can promote my great home city of Toowoomba and I can champion the Smithy's TGW brand and of course I can spread the legacy of the late great Brayd Smith." Katsidis said.
Katsidis will fight in Yu Hang Gymnasium in Hangzhou alongside fellow Smithy's TGW Gym boxer Herman Ene-Purcell.
Fight promoter Liu Gang is excited to add Michael Katsidis to the card.
"It's an honour to have Michael Katsidis fight on this card.
"Michael is a World wide name and to have him fight in China with a full gymnasium and a TV audience through CCTV5 of around 90 million is exciting.
"I met Michael on my recent trip to Toowoomba for TGW & Smithy Bring the big fights 10 and he looked in great shape so I know he will be a crowd pleaser over here.
"It will be a great fight," Gang said.
Katsidis faces one of the sternest tests in his career.
Kaewfah Tor Buamas is undefeated in 19 bouts, 13 by knock out and 12 of those wins by stoppage have come within the first 6 rounds.
In comparison Katsidis has notched 4 wins from his last nine to take his overall career record to 31-7 with 24 by knock out.
However the way Katsidis summed up the situation is reflective of his new attitude on life.
"Stern test? You're kidding me right," Katsidis said.
"You lose a loved one and try moving on - that's what a stern test is.
"That's what I've dealt with in my life and that's what Brendon is dealing with now.
"This is just a sport mate, and that's how I treat it.
"It's not my life.
"Yeah sure a lot of people probably think I can't win this fight.
"But you know what - I think I can win, Brendon Smith thinks I can win and Steven Spark thinks I can win.
"That's all I need.
"I'll give it everything I have and hopefully it's good enough to win.
"If I don't win, that's life - it won't change the person I have become since returning to Toowoomba," Katsidis said.
Katsidis' Manager Brendon Smith is looking forward to seeing Katsidis back in action.
"He's been working really well in the gym with myself and Steven Spark and on the running track with Tressa Lindenberg.
"He's got a big opportunity in front of him and he's certainly leaving no stone un-turned when it comes to training.
"This is big opportunity for Michael." Smith said.
--
For much more videos and boxing news, GET THE REAL BITE by visiting our home page here at Doghouse Boxing.
