Michael Katsidis-Graham Earl Rematch Set For July 4 (original) (raw)

Two time world champion and Toowoomba’s own Michael Katsidis “The Great” will take on former World Champion, England’s Graham Earl, in a rematch which is sure to provide as many fireworks as the first fight. The highly anticipated match up will take place in Toowoomba on July 4.

The pair first met in 2007 when the then WBO world lightweight #2 ranked Michael Katsidis, travelled to London England to take on local hero and then WBO world #1 Graham Earl for the vacant WBO lightweight world interim championship.

Katsidis would go on to win the fight and claim the title when Earl failed to answer the bell for round 6.

The fight may have only lasted five rounds, but the excitement, controversy and explosiveness of the bout has left it etched in the memory of fight fans around the world. Both fighters tasted the canvas until Katsidis eventually broke Earl taking the title in England’s 2007 fight of the year.

However the result has left a sour taste with Graham Earl who has been itching for a rematch since the first fight finished. This time he will have to come to Katsidis’ backyard.

Brendon Smith, trainer and manager of Michael Katsidis feels that once again this is a career defining fight for both men.

“We are very excited to have this fight once again, this time in our backyard” said Smith.

“Graham has been hounding me for this rematch for five years, but so has Michael. We were never able to make the fight but now we can. We know the determination from both boys they will fight to a stand still. Michael was never happy with the fact Graham thought he deserved a rematch and is ready to put it to bed.”

“I have a lot of respect for Graham as a person,” said Katsidis. “However I am a fighter
and this will be the last time Graham will want to step in to the ring with me, there will be no trilogy.”

The bout will take place on July 4 in Toowoomba. A full undercard that will be announced next week will support the bout, as well as venue and ticket information.