The difference in skill between the two fighters was obvious from the start. Juan Manuel Marquez was the more polished fighter and technically head and shoulders better than Michael Katsidis.

The gallant Australian who is of Greek descent is boxing’s premier blood-and-guts warrior but other than his stout heart, his endless courage and a wicked left hook, he didn’t really have anything else.

Marquez started the fight on fire, peppering Katsidis with combinations that the Australian can’t seem to decipher. The Mexican built an early two round lead but in the third round, Katsidis evened things up with a homerun left hook that sent Marquez to the seat of his pants.

But as he has shown in his pas fights, specially those against Manny Pacquiao, it will take more than a powerful punch to beat Marquez. He got up shook of the cobwebs then went back to business, this time careful that he won’t get hit with another hellacious left hook.

Katsidis fought the only way he knew how. He went forward, willingly eating lefts and rights to his face and body just so he can unload some punches of his own. But as the rounds went on, the likelihood on Katsidis hurting Marquez dissipated. Marquez was connecting regularly but Katsidis’ replies were few and far apart.

Kenny Bayless proved that he is indeed one of the best referees in the business by calling a halt to the bout in the ninth round. Katsidis was not in serious trouble but it was obvious that he had no logical shot at winning the fight.

Katsidis showed tremendous heart against Marquez and he still belongs to the upper echelon of fighters in the lightweight division. He pushed through with the fight even if his brother and best friend, Stathi, died while Katsidis was still training in Thailand.

With the win, Marquez hopes to land a third fight with Pacquiao. But another fighter who wants a shot, also performed tremendously that night as Andre Bert knocked out Freddy Hernandez with a big right in the very first round.

Bob Arum, Pacquiao’s promoter, has now trimmed the list of Pacquiao’s would-be opponents to three: Marquez, Berto, and Shan Mosley.