The New Pretender

Last May 4 on my post “Just 2 Rounds for the Best Pound for Pound”, I’ve mentioned the name Floyd Mayweather Jr. as the probable next opponent of Manny Pacquiao. Weeks after, several names cropped up. Mayweather’s adversary on July 18 fight and Mexico’s new boxing king Juan Manuel Marquez might get his 3rd fight with Pacman, if he beats “Money”. Pacquiao’s stable mate Miguel Cotto’s name was also mentioned. But Cotto has to beat first Clottey before he gets his shot at Pacquiao. Even the name of knock-out artist Edwin Valero continues to hound him. This early June, Sugar Shane Mosley was added in the mix. He even mentioned that he’s willing to go down to 144 lbs and accept a 60-40 split just to fight Pacquiao. The long list continues as last Saturday another pretender joined the fray. The name is Michael Katsidis coined “The Great Lightweight”. Katsidis is currently the WBO Asia-Pacific Lightweight champion. The 28 year old Katsidis was at the SCOOP sa Kamayan Press Conference Friday morning where he issued a challenge to Manny Pacquiao to have a fight staged here in Manila. I just reprint the exact words he made which was written by Rene Bonsubre Jr. in PhilBoxing. com.

Michael Katsidis’ Official Challenge Statement to Manny Pacquiao

By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 06 Jun 2009

“I am Michael Katsidis The Great. I stand here before you named after Achilles, the Greek God from Larissa, the place of my father’s homeland. We all know the feats of Achilles as he invaded Sparta to conquer their Prince Hector. I too will do the same.

I have conquered Australia. I then have travelled to England to challenge their king Graham Earl where I was to win the WBO world title. Since then I have conquered in Las Vegas, America. I gave the people a war against Filipino Czar Amonsot, a world title fight that many will never forget. I then fought Joel Casamayor in his home country and put him through the ropes in six rounds. He got back with the help of a doctor to get back into the ring and it was my own mistake that caused my empire to fall.

I have then invaded Texas to fight their King on their home soil. Even after having a badly injured hand I won that fight. I conquered the king on his own soil and only on paper the fight was said to be different. One judge gave the fight to me and the other two from Mexico and Texas gave it to their king by split decision. I previously captained and lead the Philippines to victory when they fought for the World Cup against Mexico. I promised the Philippines I would come to their soil and I did just that and defeated their Spanish enemy. It was quite easy to put Angel Hugo Ramirez on the back foot and send him back to Spain with the roaring strong Philippine crowd supporting me in the heart of Cebu.

From my experience here in the Philippines I have had the privilege of work with many gladiators. I have traveled all over the world and I have grown in confidence. I soon knew I was ready to travel again across enemy lines to America to do battle where the King of Austin was there to defend. At all costs, Jesus Chavez would not be victorious. Not even with the help of his noblemen on his homeland, the capital of Texas.

I would invade and this time not leave a decision at the hands of their King’s judges. After seven rounds of battle, Jesus Chavez bowed his head and gracefully accepts defeat as Austin’s King has now been dethroned. I was then able to continue the path that was chosen for me, to prove my greatness.

My next move was set to conquer all of Mexico and fight their King, Juan Manuel Marquez. I now stand before you as the number one lightweight contender in the world. Marquez chose a different path and maybe to forfeit his legacy by taking a fight against Floyd Mayweather. I have since then set my sails to England to challenge their King Ricky Hatton but now having fallen and battle scarred in such a bad way he is yet to decide if he is up to the challenge of defending his home country on his home soil.

I come here not to disrespect your King Manny Pacquiao but to challenge the greatest king that has ever lived on his home soil.

I have come here before you to name this fight now. The fight will be called “Manny Mean To fight In the Philippines”. The ruling King, Manny Pacquiao – I want to fight you. I want to do battle with you in your country. Here in your hometown, here on your beaches, here in your mountains, here in the Philippines!

I was honored to captain and stand in your place with the Philippine boxing team when you were unavailable and they defeated Mexico for the World Cup. Manny, I will give your people something that they want; they want to see you defend your throne here in your country.

I will give that fight to them. Manny Pacquiao, will you give this fight to the Filipino people?

For me this is not about the money, all I ask is for my home countries Australia and Greece to witness one of the greatest fights to ever take place. I will not fight you anywhere else but here in the Philippines and that is why I come here before your people. I love your country, I love your people. I will do this for my countries and I will do this for your country. I will give your people this fight here, will you?

If you accept this challenge- I will come to you!"

Heavy words for a not so popular or worthy opponent at all. Will Pacquiao gave him a glance? Can his 21 KO’s in 25 victories attract Pacquiao? Can he lure cash and give Mega Manny another huge paycheck? The game is still dictated by U.S dollars, isn’t it?