Michael Katsidis has new opponent

Graham Earl is out and Michael Lozada is in as the next opponent for Australia's Michael Katsidis. The Gold Coast Convention Centre has been locked in as the venue for the August 13th fight. Katsidis’ manager/trainer Brendon Smith revealed that after a breakdown in contract negotiations with Earl, Katsidis will now face 27 year old Michael Lozada (38-8 with 30 KOs). “We had a verbal agreement with Earl, which broke down when it came to the contractual agreement, we have now signed Lozada to come to Australia and we are excited to have it at the Gold Coast”. Katsidis, who will move up to junior welterweight for this bout, said, “I’m excited about moving up to junior wlterweight, and the challenge that comes with moving up a weight division. I want [Erik] Morales next and that is what we are working toward, but firstly I need to focus on Lozada.”

Shame about Earl as it's good to see two fighters back in the ring who have had a war, not sure what Earl has left at this stage though and could have been a dangerous fight for him. I don't know much about Lozado but his record looks quite good, is this a better matchup?

I dunno about Lozada, but I'm wondering what 140 has to offer Katsidis.

I think Katsidis will be the gatekeeper between 135 -140 lbs. All of the real elite fighters will best him in usually enjoyable scraps while pretenders will be exposed a bit like Mitchell.

Sorry to see him carry on really...great crowd pleaser but takes too many shots...

Seems a nice guy and would hate him to get brain damage......

wants to get out soon.

Lozada got stopped by Malignaggi recently, thats pretty much all I know about him...

I suspect Katz will have one last crack at the big time before calling it quits. He comes across as a fairly intelligent man as well as an honest pro, I suspect he has it in him to admit when there is nothing at all left for him at the top level. I think aiming for Morales is a good idea, potentially winnable and would put him in line for a title shot.

Can't see why he would have wanted to fight Earl again except as a plastic cutout easy to walk through. One look at Earl's record since their first meeting would confirm this

I can only see it going downhill from here for kats. I think he has found his level and he takes a lot of punishment even when fighting below that level so can only hope he is getting a few W's and getting out.

Great bloke though and exciting as they come so all the best to him.

have to admitt though what a fight him and rios would be!!

TBH, I'm glad Katsidis has an easier assignment than he has in his last few fights. Very happy that Earl won't be in the opposing corner.