Marquez wary of emotional Katisidis -- Sydney Morning Herald

AAP

Juan Manuel Marquez has fought almost 60 professional bouts including wars against Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, but the Mexican boxing great admits he has never faced anyone like Australia's Michael Katsidis.

When the 37-year-old from Mexico City, rated the No.4 pound-for-pound boxer in the world by The Ring Magazine, will step into the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas just after midday on Sunday (AEDT) to defend his WBA and WBO belts against the Queenslander.

And the Mexican is expecting to face a dangerous and explosive Katsidis driven by emotion.

Advertisement: Story continues below The Toowoomba-born Katsidis has dedicated the biggest bout of his life to his brother, top Australian jockey Stathi Katsidis, who died suddenly last month aged 31.

Katsidis contemplated abandoning the fight, but instead picked up his heavy heart and plans to honour Stathi by defying bookmakers and upsetting Marquez.

"Michael Katsidis is a very dangerous fighter," Marquez told AAP.

"He's different from any other fight I've had.

"He's strong, is a true warrior and throws many, many punches so I had to prepare myself very well."

That preparation included two sets of sparring partners for Marquez - strong boxers and fast boxers - with the two styles blending what Katsidis, who has knocked out 22 of his 27 victims, will bring to the MGM.

Katsidis mourned the loss of his brother by engaging in a tortuous training regime with long-time trainer Brendon Smith in a primitive Muay Thai fight camp hidden away in a jungle area of Thailand.

The secluded camp has become Katsidis' pre-fight base, helping him to four straight victories since back-back losses in 2008 against elite fighters Juan Diaz and Joel Casamayor.

Katsidis, 30, has been tight-lipped about his brother's death and fronted a press conference at the MGM on Tuesday with a publicist from his promoter, Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions, by his side.

The publicist warned journalists not to quiz Katsidis about Stathi.

When a question came close, Katsidis was as intimidating as he is in the ring.

"I'm here to talk about the fight only," he told an American reporter.

"Anything to do with any of that, please respect me and my family."

Marquez, a world champion at three different weight divisions, showing the class that has made him one of Mexico's favourite sportsmen offered his sincere condolences to Katsidis instead of probing it for a weakness.

"I wanted to say that I'm sorry for him and his family and that life continues," Marquez, who has a 51 win, 37 knockout, five loss, one draw professional record, said.

Marquez is tipped to be Pacquiao's next opponent, with the boxing stars engaging in two thrillers.

The first was a controversial split-decision win to the Filipino in 2008 and the second a draw in 2004 when Marquez rebounded from being knocked down three times in the first round to almost pulling off a victory.

When reporters peppered Marquez about a possible Marquez-Pacquiao III, the Mexican did not need a publicist by his side to fend off irritating questions.

"It's all about Katsidis, not Pacquiao" Marquez told reporters.

"Nobody else."

© 2010 AAP

Source: news.smh.com.au

Beyonce becomes a Pacman convert -- Manila Bulletin

By KAYE VILLAGOMEZ, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines – More and more mainstream Hollywood celebrities are being converted into Manny Pacquiao admirers. Beyonce Knowles found herself belonging to the Hollywood elite fan club alongside Mark Wahlberg, Daniel Radcliffe and Ron Perlman.

Mrs. Jay-Z---whose on-again, off-again pregnancy rumors have hogged the entertainment headlines of late---named Pacman one of her favorite athletes. Others that Beyonce admires are Kobe Bryant and Serena Williams.

“I love him (Manny) because I really relate to people who were born to do something and gets lost in the moment,” the “Single Ladies” hit-maker raved of Pacquiao in a Nov. 25 interview aired over sports channel ESPN.

“When he gets in the ring, he’s a beast! I love it! And he shows you can have humility and be a calm person and also be driven when it’s time and be a fighter,” Beyonce further said obviously referring to Pacman’s gallant efforts during his eight-division-title-clinching bout versus Mexican Antonio Margarito.

The LA Lakers fan also had grand words for the next Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant. She noted how much she relates with the NBA superstar. “I definitely identify with Kobe Bryant as far as his work ethic... I can always see that he's focused, he works harder than I could ever imagine. It is like he's in the zone. He's just undeniable as far as his talent and his gift.”

Regarding Serena Williams, Beyonce spoke of the gentle character behind the fierce tennis player. “Definitely, Serena. She just transforms because when you speak to her and she's not working, she's a most lovely, gentle, sweet, beautiful woman, and she is ferocious when she gets out there... I love it! You cannot talk to her. She’s in the zone!”

Recall that Wahlberg took time out to visit Pacquiao while he was training for his 2008 fight against Oscar dela Hoya. The “Departed” actor who is about to star in his own boxer flick soon told HBO’s “Dela Hoya/Pacquiao 24/7” that he (Walhberg) had to visit “the man” (Pacquiao).

Wahlberg confessed to being a big fan of Pacquiao when he said, “I’ve come to see the man. Freddie's (Roach) been a friend of mine for a long time, and I’m a big fan of Pacquiao. It’s nice to see him in person. I’ve seen him fight a couple times, but to see him this up close and personal is worth the trip. I’m going to bring my son down. I have a ring in my house because I've been training to do the Irish Micky Ward story for a couple of years. My son's always beating me up, and he calls himself Pacquiao.”

When Pacquiao was training for his fight against Joshua Clottey early this year, “Hellboy” lead star Ron Perlman also went for a glimpse of Pacman’s “greatness.” The actor said of the Filipino pride, “Anytime you can have a brush with greatness and see someone like Pacquiao, you should do it. He’s one of a kind.”

Ironically, Pacquiao credits the Filipino people as a big part of his recent victory. In an interview with Bulletin Entertainment last Sunday, Pacquiao humbly gushed that the victory is not only his alone but the entire nation's as well.

Source: mb.com.ph