Casamayor-Katsidis presser!
Who's #1? Campbell confronts Casamayor

March 24, 2008

By Edgar Gonzalez / Photos: Big Joe Miranda

Lightweight champion Joel "El Cepillo" Casamayor defiantly showed he still had the speed and the power as he turned in perhaps the most important and memorable win of his career with a remarkable tenth round TKO against Michael Katsidis on Saturday night at Morongo Casino Resort and Spa in Cabazon, CA.

During their post-fight press conference, Casamayor warmly embraced vanquished foe Michael Katsidis at the podium.

"I was aware I was winning the fight," said a disappointed Katsidis. "I should have listened to my corner and maybe I could have won."

"That's life," stated Casamayor, "you win some you lose some."

"El Cepillo" was soon interrupted by IBF/WBA/WBO champion Nate Campbell. "He's washed up. He's done. I sent him to the hospital" proclaimed Campbell "I beat you and I'll send you to the hospital again!"

"I beat Nate Campbell with three weeks of training," responded Casamayor "I'm the champion."

In January 2003, Casamayor handed a then-undefeated Campbell his first pro loss, taking a unanimous ten-round decision by scores of 98-92, 97-93, 96-94 in Temecula, California. Campbell was challenging Casamayor to a rematch, but Casamayor said he was going after bigger fights against the likes of Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales or current WBC super featherweight champion Manny Pacquiao.

"He fought an overrated fighter," continued Campbell. "How could he say he's a champion? He can't scare me. All his friends don't scare me. At the end is just going to be him and I in the ring. I am the recognized champion. I am a fighter!"

Campbell is currently regarded by most as the top fighter in the lightweight division after dethroning Juan Diaz to win three world titles on March 8 in Cancun, Mexico. Casamayor has claim to being the linear lightweight champion.

Casamayor and Campbell may soon sort out who is #1, but it wasn't to happen late Saturday night. As things started to heat up, Campbell was escorted from the post-fight conference.

This night belonged to Joel Casamayor.