Michael Katsidis signs for Tommy Coyle test in ‘Point of No Return’

 
MICHAEL Katsidis will make the fourth British appearance of his career when he travels to England to challenge IBF International lightweight titlist Tommy Coyle on October 25th.

 
Katsidis, 34, is riding a two-fight win streak against modest opposition since making his return to the ring in March, scoring one-sided wins over Indonesian import Eddy Comaro and faded former foe Graham Earl.

 
In Coyle, 24, Katsidis is facing an opponent who is ten years his junior. However, the Toowoomba-based Katsidis will fancy his chances against the English livewire, as Coyle (19-2, 8 KOs) has been floored five times in his professional career – with four of those knockdowns coming at the hands of Argentine Daniel Eduardo Brizuela – who Coyle also floored four times in an entertaining shootout in February.

 
“It’s great to be fighting someone of Michael Katsidis’ calibre,” said Coyle in a press release issued by Matchroom Sports, the promoter of the event.

 
“There were many big names touted for this fight and I am delighted that it’s Michael I’ll be taking on. He’s been in with Kevin Mitchell and Ricky Burns over here and also shared the ring with Robert Guerrero and Juan Manuel Marquez, so to beat him will be a huge achievement and a great scalp to have on my record.”

 
Katsidis (30-6, 24 KOs) will return to England to tackle the fast-rising Hull talent, and the former two-time WBO interim champion is looking for a repeat of one of his signature wins, a third-round stoppage win over Kevin Mitchell.

 
“It is nice to be fighting in England again and I am very much looking forward to the fight with Tommy,” said Katsidis. “I have always enjoyed the passion of the fans and I feel at home when I fight there.

 
“I would like to thank Eddie Hearn and Brendon Smith for putting this fight together and I am working very hard in camp at present. I would also like to thank Tommy for putting his hand up to fight me, I have had a number of offers from the UK and I am happy to come to Hull for the fight.”

 
Although he may be in the final chapter of a storied career, a win for Katsidis will bring him closer to an improbable third world title.

 
Coyle may not be an elite level operator, but like Katsidis, he is involved in exciting fights and a win here on a high profile card can only serve his career well.