Michael Katsidis – Czar Amonsot appreciation post

On the Winky Wright-Bernard Hopkins undercard, Michael Katsidis and Czar Amonsot put on a barnburner of a brawl, with Katsidis dropping his Filipino challenger twice en route to a well-deserved 12-round unanimous decision.

Katsidis, an Australian who moves to 23-0 with 20 KOs, was busted up early by Amonsot, but fought ferociously throughout to secure the victory. Both lightweights deserve respect for the grueling brawl, as does referee Jay Nady and both corners – notably Katsidis’ for keeping their man in the fight despite multiple cuts.

Katsidis obviously has a big future ahead of him, though the cuts and bruises he took raise some concern.

Nonetheless, a brilliant fight and both men gave all they could. Well done, gentlemen.

Update: Amonsot nearly really did give it all in the ring. Very glad to hear he is Ok, and hope he’s able to move into a successful different line of work.

Oscar Larios of Mexico and Czar Amonsot of the Philippines both suffered brain bleeds in their hard-fought losses on Saturday night’s Bernard Hopkins-Winky Wright undercard at Mandalay Bay.

Neither injury, however, is life threatening, according to Keith Kizer, the executive director of the Nevada Athletic Commission.

“Both were in very tough fights, but the good news on both guys is that the bleeds are very minimal,” Kizer told ESPN.com. “It appears both guys suffered very minor subdural hematomas, but nothing life threatening. There shouldn’t be any concern for future treatment or medication. They can both live full and healthy lives, but as far as being a boxer, they are probably done.”

Amonsot was resting comfortably at Valley Hospital on Sunday.

The 21-year-old southpaw was knocked down twice and lost a decision to Michael Katsidis in their grueling interim lightweight title bout. Both fighters took an enormous amount of punishment in the 12-round battle.

Amonsot had two MRI exams, according to Gomez. He said the first exam was clear, but a second exam taken from a different angle showed “he had a little bit of bleeding. So, they wanted to keep him overnight for observation. They found something very small, but they found something.”

Gomez said Amonsot (18-3-1, 10 KOs) never lost consciousness and was feeling OK.

–WKW

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