Marquez vs. Katsidis: Why the Sweet Science Is Still Alive and Well

Tonight was a night of pure, unadulterated pugilism of epic proportions. Australian Michael “The Great”  Katsidis was successfully dismantled by Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez in the ninth round of a 12 round bout for the lightweight championship of the world. 

“I went through a lot to make it to this fight... I’ve got a big heart.” Heartfelt words from a fighter whose most difficult bout is being fought outside of the ring. On October 19th of this year, Michael’s older brother, Stahl Katsidis was found dead in his home in Brisbane. “It was hard thing just to make it to the fight tonight”, said Michael as he dedicated his endeavors to his brother after suffering a humbling loss at the hands of Marquez.

As hard as it was to come to the fight, Michael definitely came in hard and focused to give Marquez a reason to fight with all he had. From the first round on to the ninth, Michael stayed on the inside and kept Marquez at bay and under pressure. In round two, Katsidis did an exceptional job of landing dozens of punches on the face of Marquez at close range, and although it was evident that Marquez had landed the most punches that round, Michael had found holes in the armor of Marquez.

The hole was opened up at 2:13 of round three when Katsidis caught Juan with a left hook that sent Marquez careening down to the canvas like a cut down redwood. Marquez spent the rest of the round trying to stay on his feet. 

Its safe to say that the Katsidis lost the fight in round three due to his inability to finish Marquez. As Katsidis smelled blood, his punches became wider and wilder, leaving openings galore and taking the edge off of his power. Impatience was his “achilles heel.” Once Juan was able to gain his legs back the tables were turned. 

What occurred during the remainder of the fight was what boxing fans come to see, what we tell stories about at holiday parties as if we were the fighters themselves. For round four, Marquez had a difficult time adapting and getting back into the battle, staying on the defensive and trying not to be phased by Katsidis tight overhand right (which was becoming increasingly predictable as the bout went on.) By round six, Marquez had evolved and fought on Katsidis terms, embracing the cornering tactics and fighting at close quarters, landing surgical and effective shots. For the next three rounds, Marquez embarrassed Katsidis by fighting his own fight and beating him badly at it.

This is the sweet science; the exploitation of one’s weaknesses, the demanding of one’s respect and the humiliation of one’s inferior tactics by adapting to his own patterns. This fight was not punctuated by wild hooks or uppercuts... those were easy. These fights were accented by wits, raw ferocity, and heart.

The smashing uppercut delivered by Marquez to the chin of Katsidis gave Juan the “okay” to fight on his own terms and that’s exactly what he did. Katsidis was completely obliterated by a collection of searing combinations that landed with such accuracy, any fight fan would be proud. With 47 seconds left on the clock, the fight was stopped. Marquez painted a masterpiece.

This fight was a reminder of why this sport is still alive. To see two warriors give it their all every round and leaving nothing in the ring is not only rousing, but inspiring at the very least. What is even more inspiring was the immense heart of Michael Katsidis who reminds us why we fight; why everyman fights, not just in the ring, but in everyday life. Still recovering from the loss of his dear brother, Michael showed his dedication to the sport that he is passionate about, and showed a “never say die” attitude that would put many athletes to shame. Michael’s passion and drive in the midst of loss and devastation reminds all of us to keep going, to keep believing, and to fight on.