In some ways, this boxing match can be viewed as the "losers bracket" of the lightweight vision. Let me make this clear though: 
neither fighter is a loser per se, but the fact remains that both were handed serious beatdowns in their most recent fights. Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz (33-1, 17 KO) was battered and bloodied for twelve rounds by current lightweight champion Nate "The Galaxxy Warrior" Campbell earlier in the year.
Michael "The Great" Katsidis (23-1, 20 KO) was reduced to a competitive punching bag against old, yet slick Joel "El Cepillo" Casamayor just two weeks after Diaz had lost to Campbell. Although both fights were somewhat competitive, they exposed each fighter’s flaws. What do these flaws tell us about this fight?
There is actually no shame in Juan Diaz’s first career loss coming to Nate Campbell. In Campbell, he was facing one of the biggest and strongest lightweights in the division. Sure, Diaz had overwhelmed Acelino "Popo" Freitas and Julio Diaz with his relentless offense last year, stopping both men in the process. However, the buck stopped with Campbell, who was fighting as if his life depended on it. Backed by years of big fight experience fighting the likes of Almazbek Raiymkulov aka "Kid Diamond" and Casamayor, Campbell matched Diaz’s high punch output early, and used his physical strength to rough him up in the championship rounds. I am sure Katsidis’s handlers have taken note.
Michael Katsidis also should not be embarrassed by his first career loss to the well-respected Joel Casamayor. El Cepillo can be slicker than a can of paint covered in baby oil, but his ability to hurt Katsidis was very shocking. While Katsidis had success in spots by crowding and rushing Casamayor, he also paid a heavy price. He walked into a bevy of well-timed counter-punches, which ultimately led to him being stopped in round 10. I am sure Diaz’s handlers have taken note.
I have taken notes as well. Based on what I have jotted down, this fight is very simple. Diaz throws a lot of punches, but does not hit hard. Katsidis takes a lot of punches, but hits hard.
The verdict: Diaz wins via entertaining, split decision. Good offense beats bad defense more often than not.
Diaz wins this fairly comfortably,probably on cuts around 6 or seven rounds. Katsidis has got some balls though taking this fight. I wish more fighters would take risk fights such as this.It will be a good scrap but Diaz wins for sure.
Darren, I could see Diaz winning on cuts, as Katsidis is indeed a bleeder. However, I wouldn’t give Michael K. any extra credit for taking this fight. In some ways, it’s a perfect matchup for him to try to bounce back – he’s fighting a boxer in Diaz who he will not have to chase around the ring, and one who also does not hit that hard. But I do agree with you that Diaz should win, but I think it’ll be fairly entertaining.
By the way. It’s not ‘The GiantI it’s “The Great”
You ain’t never lied (lol). My bad, I changed the post title accordingly.
I can’t wait for this fight….blood and guts all over the place!!!!! Hey Ja, what is your opinion on the recent PacMan vs Oscar fight???????????
“Snifer,” I am at a loss for words with the upcoming Golden Boy versus PacMan fight. I understand the business side of it, by why doesn’t Oscar stop being a grouch, and pick on someone (closer to) how own size! LOL
Well, I’am glad to hear that, I see that fight as a mismatch. I respect Oscar for elevating the sport, but I have been waiting for years to see his face smashed into the floor!!!!!!!!
Margarito #1
Damn, that’s kinda harsh man! Nonetheless, do not look to see Oscar’s face smashed in in this one. Well, if it makes you feel any better, B-Hops chopped his liver up. : p
congrats, on the excellent picks. keep up the good work.