By Allan Fox: Former lightweight contender Michael Katsidis (28-6, 23 KO’s) reportedly will be making a comeback starting in March against an opponent still to be determined, according to ESPN. Katsidis hasn’t fought since losing a controversial 10 round decision to Albert Mensah two years ago. Katsidis then retired shortly after that with 4 defeats in his last 5 fights.
Katsidis will be trained by his long-time trainer/manager Brendon Smith for the comeback. There’s no word about what weight class Katsidis will be fighting at, but before his retirement he had been fighting at light welterweight. That might not be the best weight for the 5’7″ Katsidis because there are a number of big punchers in that division that might be too powerful for him. Katsidis is better off moving back down to the lightweight division and competing in that class, because he’s more suited for that weight.
Katsidis has a powerful left hook, but his right hand isn’t nearly as good. That’s why he’d be better off fighting at 135, because he might be able to get by with his left hook in that division.
If this comeback is to be successful, Katsidis will need to work on his defense to keep him from getting hit so much. He has a great chin, but he tends to puff up and cut around the eyes. The only way that Katsidis can minimize that is to use more head movement and keep his guard up more. It’s going to be difficult for Katsidis to learn to be more defensive at 33, but it’s better late than never. He won’t go far with his comeback if he doesn’t keep from getting hit so much.
In one of Katsidis’ biggest victories of his career, he blasted out Kevin Mitchell in three rounds back in 2010. It was an impressive punching display by Katsidis, who hurt Mitchell with a big left hook and then overwhelmed him with punches to get the stoppage. Katsidis also has wins over Vincente Escobedo, Czar Amonsot and Graham Earl.
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