Boxing: Michael Katsidis a Spartan warrior
MICHAEL KATSIDIS will rely on his Spartan-style preparation and ignore a partisan horde when he defends the interim WBO lightweight title against local hero Kevin Mitchell at Upton Park.
Australian Michael Katsidis, who won the crown against Graham Earl at Wembley in February 2007, has spent three months training in trouble-torn Thailand. He said: "Part of our training is getting out of the comfort zone and Bangkok is a very hard place. You've got to prove yourself there."
Katsidis, 29, who enters the ring wearing a Spartan helmet in homage to his Greek heritage and warrior style, added: "Come May 15 it's not going to be so comfortable, either, but I'm ready."