By Sean McDaniel: Former lightweight Michael Katsidis (27-4, 22 KO’s) is back in action on Saturday night against soft opponent Michael Lozada (38-8-1, 30 KO’s) in a 10 round bout at the Gold Coast Convention Centre in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia.

Katsidis is testing the waters at light welterweight where he hopes to succeed and get a big money fight against the likes of IBF/WBA light welterweight champion Amir Khan or the winner of the Marcos Maidana vs. Robert Guerrero match on August 27th.

The chances aren’t good that Katsidis will get a fight against Khan, since he’s a bit late in the game to land a fight against him, but he could be a major player in the division if he can find some more power in his right hand that he’s been missing at lightweight.

Katsidis really needs a win right now to remain relevant in the boxing world, because he’s been whipped in his last two fights against Juan Manuel Marquez and Robert Guerrero. The last fight was a poor decision on Katsidis’ management to take this fight because Guerrero wasn’t the type of fighter that Katsidis would do well against.

Katsidis is a little concerned with the power of Lozada, saying to the Sydney Morning Herald “He’s a big puncher. For me it is very important that I can handle that power at this weight division and I have to learn too that my punches are as effective at the higher level.”
In his fight against Guerrero, Katsidis was only effective when he was punching to the body. When he was aiming for the head, he had no luck in hurting Guerrero.

If Katsidis can get a victory over Lozada and look good, he could find himself in with some big names in the division.