Katsidis, Ramirez ready for 'War'

Cebu - Declaring that he came here for war, Australian braveheart Michael “The Great” Katsidis (23-2-, 20KOs) told Angel Hugo “El Tren” Ramirez (19-4-2, 8KOs) at point-blank range that the Argentina-born Spanish warrior will be the “sorry person” in their 12-round rumble for the vacant WBO Asia-Pacific lightweight title headlining the explosive “WAR” fight card this Saturday at the Cebu Coliseum.

Meanwhile, well-known international promoter Sammy “Don King” Gello-ani advised all those who will be watching the historic show to come early as the Katsidis-Ramirez brawl will be done at 7 pm sharp. Gates will be opened at 4 pm as the bouts promptly start at 5 pm.

Katsidis, who skippered Team Philippines during the Boxing World Cup two years ago in Sacramento, California, said during yesterday’s pre-fight news conference at Marriott Hotel that fighting on Philippine soil is a dream come true for him and that he isn’t going to lose it whatever it takes.

“It is really a dream come true to be able to come and fight here in the Philippines. This is a great thing,” said Katsidis, who is best remembered by the Filipinos for narrowly beating ALA Stable standout Czar Amonsot in their bloody and brutal bout for the interim WBO lightweight crown in July 2007 that nearly ended their fistic careers.

“This is going to be a good fight because I trained very hard. My opponent could be the sorry person in the night,” added Katsidis even as he revealed that he will be wearing his trademark “gladiator” outfit during the big day as “he comes to war.”

Asked by a radio reporter on his plans if ever he falls prey to Ramirez, Katsidis replied: “The question to lose is not for me. That will not happen.”

Trumpeting the same tone, Ramirez said he traveled a thousand miles and crossed at least three time zones to win. “If there’s a chance, I’m going for a knockout even in the first round.”

But Katsidis quickly shrugged off Ramirez’s brazen remarks.

“Anyone can say anything but that means nothing,” said Katsidis. “In this fight, I will make a statement for the rest of the world.”

Katsidis though was reluctant to make any prediction saying that he has so much respect for the ring craftsmanship of Ramirez.

“It would be foolish for me to predict anything. I must respect him for his performance,” said Katsidis in a statement that was echoed by his trainer Brendon Smith.

“We have much respect for Ramirez. He’s a great fighter. But our training has been going so well. Expect a tough-class performance on Saturday night,” said Smith.

In the equally-exciting undercards of the quadruple championship extravaganza - a first in the annals of Cebu boxing, undefeated world title hopefuls Ciso “Kid Terrible” Morales, Anthony “Rocky” Marcial, and Marvin “Marvelous” Sonsona are all aching to defend their respective thrones.

Morales (12-0, 8KOs) will stake his WBO Oriental junior featherweight belt against Pichitchoke Singmanasak (14-7, 8KOs), the power-punching Marcial (11-0, 10KOs) will put his WBO Oriental junior lightweight title on the line against the similarly unbeaten Thai power-hitter Vacharakrit Senayan (11-0, 7KOs), while Sonsona (10-0, 9KOs) will risk his WBO Asia-Pacific Youth flyweight diadem against Liempetch Sor Veerapol (12-4, 8KOs).

In the preliminary matches of the slambang spectacle bankrolled by SGG Sports Promotions in partnership with giant TV network ABS-CBN, Ringstar Promotions, the city government of Cebu, and Marriott Hotel, Rolando Magallano of Baliangao, Misamis Occidental will take on Kevin de la Cruz, while Marvin Mabait of Zamboanga City will slug it out with Marco Demicillo.

Tickets, which can be purchased at different Sunburst outlets, Marriott Hotel and Cebu Coliseum,

are reasonably priced at P1,000 for VIP-Sponsor, P500 for ringside, P250 for lower box, P150 for upperbox, and P100 for general admission. For reservations, one may keep in touch (032) 420-7029, 0918- 9797113 or 0916-5497184. -  THE FREEMAN