Who Wins the 2010 Boxing Fight of the Year Award?
For much of the year, it seemed like there wouldn’t be very many candidates for the 2010 Fight of the Year award. However, the last two months of the boxing schedule included a huge range of exciting and memorable bouts, some expected, and others not so much. Amongst the A-list candidates were Juan Manuel Lopez vs. Rafael Marquez, Humberto Soto vs. Urbano Antillon, Amir Khan vs. Marcos Maidana, and even more from there. Not a bad way to end the year, but only one can win the award…
2010 Fight of the Year: Juan Manuel Marquez TKO9 Michael Katsidis
Juan Manuel Marquez always seems to be in good fights. He had his memorable encounters with Manny Pacquiao, and his 2009 battle against Juan Diaz was the runner-up for 2009 Fight of the Year. However, Marquez vs. Katsidis simply couldn’t be denied. The clash of styles was easily predicted to produce fireworks, and sure enough, it did just that from the opening bell on. Marquez, the sharp counter puncher, used his superior timing and technical skills to fire away on Katsidis as he charged inside, with his all-pressure style of fighting. However, if we all know anything about Juan Manuel Marquez, it’s that once he’s hit, he’s going to return the favor, and he’s going to stand and trade until he has turned the tide back in his favor.
Katsidis is known for his epic and entertaining battles as well, including his own scrap against Juan Diaz. However, he was also fighting for added incentive, with the spirit of his recently deceased brother in the ring with him. Katsidis wanted to win one for him, and his gallant effort throughout the evening showed that.
Round 3 of the Marquez vs. Katsidis encounter was the 2010 Round of the Year. Marquez was caught off guard and planted on the canvas with a Michael Katsidis left hook. He got up and began battling back, only to be hurt once again. But never deterred, Marquez kept on coming with his own offense, and by the end of the round, and several minutes of furious combinations and vicious exchanges, Marquez, unsurprisingly, was seemingly back in control. The two men continued to go after one another throughout the rest of the evening until the referee saved a game and heroic Katsidis, and called off the bout in the ninth round.
In choosing Marquez vs. Katsidis as the 2010 Fight of the Year, there were several different things to consider. First, the fight was entertaining throughout, and featured several major momentum swings, including the knockdown of Marquez and his following comeback. Second, it was a championship fight, with the Ring title up for grabs in the lightweight division, and the bout took place under the brightest lights of the sport. Third, it was competitive, and not just an exciting but mostly one-sided affair.
Thanks for checking out this installment and be sure to check out the complete list and collection of the ProBoxing-Fans.com 2010 boxing awards!
