Juan Diaz won the vacant world IBO lightweight title in a split decision over Australian Michael Katsidis on Saturday.
Two judges scored it 115-113 and 116-112 for Diaz while the third had Katsidis winning 115-113. The Australian believed he won the fight and said he feared such a hometown decision in favor of Diaz — born and resident in Houston.
“I’m feeling great,” Diaz said. “I’m real excited to be back on top. I was concerned when they read the first score, and it was my jab that won the fight for me. I hurt him and I busted him up.”
Diaz and Katsidis each suffered their first career defeats in March in losing their lightweight belts against Nate Campbell and Joel Casamayor respectively.
“This time I did what my corner told me to do,” Diaz said.
“Katsidis is a tough customer. He’s hard and very powerful,” Diaz said. “However, my skills gave me the victory.”
“I proved I just had a bad night against Nate Campbell,” he said.
Katsidis had been concerned before the fight about taking on Diaz in Houston.
“Well, you win some and you lose some but I think I won that fight,” the Australian said. “But that’s kind of what I was expecting coming into his hometown.”
Diaz seemed to get new life in the sixth round, landing a flurry of punches. Katsidis came back strong in the ninth and 10th but twice had to have his glove checked for loose tape the referee deemed dangerous.
Katsidis came on strong in the 11th but had to have his glove checked for tape again starting the 12th.
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