Diaz Bullies Katsidis
Juarez Comeback From Near Loss

By Francisco Guzman

Expected to be a great fight was more of a one sided beating by the Baby Bull Juan Diaz (34-1, 17 KOs). Giving Katsidis (23-2, 20 KOs) his second loss of his career. Coming off his loss against Nate Campbell, Diaz did not seem to miss a step beating Katsidis to the punch. From round number one Katsidis tried to bully the Bull by pushing him back but it was Diaz who was quicker and stronger. Turning Katsidis as he countered him. As the fight went on Katsidis continued to put pressure with no effect at all. In round 2 Diaz opened up a cut on Katsidis left eye and by round 7 Katsidis was bleeding from both eyes. Even though Katsidis was being ineffective his corner was being awfully calm, making him feel like he was well in this fight. Katsidis did pick up the pace in the last 2 round but it was Diaz who was in control, landing at will. Diaz won a split decision 116-112, 115-113 and 115-113 Katsidis, huh. It should have been Diaz by unanimous decision. Despite being cut in both eyes with his right eye being nearly swollen shut, Katsidis and his corner believed that they won the fight. They must have been kidding.

Rocky Juarez (27-4, 19 KOs) seemed to be stuck in the mud against Jorge Barrios (47-3-1, 34 KO's). From round one Barrios was the busier fighter and was landing consistently. In round three the referee took a point for a border line punch to the body. Barrios continued to outbox and outwork Juarez throughout the fight. In round eight the referee seemed to have it out for Barrios by taking another point for another borderline shot. After the eight rounds because of the point being taken away, Barrios not sure if he was ahead or not seemed desperate to get himself back into the fight. Actually throwing caution to wind by doubling up his output up also leaving himself open for short counter shots from Juarez. In tenth round he actually tired himself out throwing an incredible 160 punches trying to take Juarez out. Juarez sensing that he was getting tired started landing hard the body and head hurting Barrios. In round 11 probably sensing that he was behind move in for the kill, knocking Barrios down. Barrio got up but was bleeding profusely from his mouth. The fight was stopped after the ring doctor took a look at his lip and which had a tear in the inside of the right side of his lip. Rocky who seemed befuddled scored a comeback from behind win. I believe that the points taken away from Barrios caused him to become desperate and careless giving Juarez a chance to get himself back into the fight.