Zappavigna wants war with Katsidis for November
LAST time we saw Lenny Zappavigna in the ring, he had a seven round bloodbath with Japanese live wire Shuhei Tsuchiya in a can’t miss candidate for domestic fight of the year.
If Zappavigna and his team – headed by manager Mike Altamura – get their way, he’ll be in one corner facing off with former two-time WBO interim lightweight titlist Michael Katsidis in November.
“We have a November date available and we have spoken to our promoter Brian Amatruda, who is more than thrilled to promote the fight as the main support on this card,” said Zappavigna’s manager Mike Altamura in an exclusive interview with Aus-Boxing.
“It would be a defence of Lenny’s WBO Oriental title. Lenny is currently rated WBO #6 at light welterweight. This is a fight that our camp has wanted for a long time, we have tried to put this fight together for the last twelve months.”
Zappavigna, 26, holds a world rating with the WBO, an organisation that Katsidis has held multiple titles at both regional and world level over a handful of years. Despite his recent inactivity, it goes without saying that a dual between both Zappavigna (31-2, 21 KOs) and Katsidis (30-6, 24 KOs) would almost certainly be a war for the ages.
“I think it’s a great action fight, it’s the best fight stylistically that can be put together in Australian boxing, I think it is the most exciting fight,” he explained. “Whatever happens both guys will go at each other – they will go to war – and whoever is the more fearsome man, whoever is the sharper man and whoever is the stronger man on the night will emerge victorious.”
“I think it’s just a great opportunity, it would be like Ward and Gatti. Putting two great warriors in the ring and them face off for respect, these two guys are such ferocious fighters.”
Katsidis, 33, is riding a two fight win streak since breaking a short-lived retirement. Despite beating relatively modest opposition in both Eddy Comaro and Graham Earl, both taking place over the course of six months.
Katsidis and his team, lead by long-time trainer/manager Brendon Smith, have been vocal in the past week about future match ups, citing fights with Derry Matthews, Brandon Rios and Juan Diaz as lucrative fights that they are looking to chase in the closing months of 2014.
With that said, a more realistic and potentially better stylistic match up would be between the forward walking Katsidis and the at times relentless Zappavigna. For some time they were both standout operators in the lightweight division, so an inevitable clash at light welterweight surely looms – providing both teams can come to terms.
“There is nothing that could be said disrespectfully in the lead in, all I can say is it would be an outstanding fight. It’s one that would be worth fans paying to see.”
“There is a lot in this fight for Lenny. He would be going up against a guy who is proven at the highest level. He would be going against a guy who has mixed it with Marquez, Guerrero and Burns,” Altamura said. “There is still a lot of credibility attached to Michael Katsidis’ name. People hear Michael Katsidis’ name and there is a certain level of respect that comes with it.”
“The guy has never lost to anyone below a world-class level. So if Lenny can beat a guy like that, I think it will demonstrate to people that at 140 he is back to where he was around the same time when he blew through Ji-Hoon Kim and those kind of fighters at 135.”
The date that Zappavigna’s team are chasing is a blockbuster card leading Australian promoter Brian Amatruda has set for November. While the dates and headline fight have yet to be announced, it appears likely the card will head towards pay-per-view with a stacked undercard almost certain to compliment the main event.
If a fight between Zappavigna and Katsidis can be finalised, it will speak volumes about the quality of card Australian boxing will be treated to, as well as the mentality of two warriors who are looking to re-establish themselves amongst the leading names in the light welterweight division.
“For Lenny it’s a credible name on his record and it’s a challenge that inspires him.”
“We will now have our promoter Brian Amatruda get in contact with Brendon Smith who is the manager and trainer of Michael Katsidis see if they are willing to step inside the ropes and make the fight happen,” Altamura continued.
“Brian and the team will do everything in their power to put this fight together. We will be reasonable on our end to ensure that the fight becomes a reality. So it will come down to whether Katsidis team are willing to take the risk or not.”
“Lenny has recovered well from his last fight with Tsuchiya – also from a finger injury as well – but I have him coming back September in Sydney, which looks to be against an Indonesian opponent. We are just in the midst of finalising it. Then look to backing him up in November.”
“If successful it should put Lenny in line for a world title eliminator. I’d be willing to put him in with anyone that presents that opportunity.” he said in closing.
“All in all, we wouldn’t be looking past Michael Katsidis, that’s all we will be thinking about if we can put it together.”
Photo: Reuters/Louie Abigail