MICHAEL KATSIDIS

updated July 21, 2008

Nicknamed 'Rocky' for his habit of putting on memorable, action-packed fights, Australia's Michael Katsidis is also intent on building a legacy as one of boxing's best, pound for pound, and with an unbeaten 23-0 record and a WBO lightweight title belt already on his resume, he's well on his way to that goal.

A boxer since the age of 11, Katsidis' talent was evident early on, and is reflected in a 75-6 amateur record that included a trip to the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where the Toowoomba, Queensland native represented Australia and made it to the quarterfinals of the competition.

Having reached the pinnacle of amateur boxing, Katsidis decided to take his talents to the pro ring, and on December 3, 2001, he made his punch for pay debut with a third round knockout of Danny Wilson. In his very next fight, just three months later, Katsidis became the first lightweight to win an Australian title in just his second fight when he decisioned James Swan over 12 rounds - yes, 12 rounds in only his second pro bout.

Katsidis was just getting started. 2002 saw him win three more times, all by TKO, and 2003 saw him go 3-0 with three stoppages.

2004 was the time for Katsidis to really step up though, and he did so in style, going 6-0 with 5 KOs and winning the Australian junior welterweight and WBO Asia-Pacific and IBF Pan Pacific lightweight titles in the process.

By 2005-2006, 'Katsidis The Great' was being noticed on the world scene and walking through progressively tougher opposition with ease. It was time for his world title shot, and on February 17, 2007, he got it, fighting local hero Graham Earl for the interim WBO lightweight title. The fight was an all-out war, with both fighters getting counts from referee Mickey Vann before Katsidis emerged victorious in the fifth round to not only up his consecutive knockout streak to 13, but to become a world champion in just his 22nd pro fight.

Katsidis' 23rd bout would be one of his toughest, as he engaged in another Fight of The Year-worthy war against game Czar Amonsot on July 21, 2007, but when it was over, Katsidis earned the 12 round unanimous decision victory and had retained his title for the first time.

Searching for bigger game, Katsidis took on one of the premier boxers of this era, Joel Casamayor, on March 22, 2008, and after a memorable battle that saw both men hit the canvas, Casamayor emerged with a 10th round TKO victory in a 2008 Fight of The Year candidate.

Undeterred by the setback, Katsidis got right back in the gym, and this September he will meet another all-action fighter in former world champion Juan Diaz. The bout is expected to be one of the best ever seen in the 135-pound weight class.