Perez Steps Up Against Katsidis On August 10

On August 10, ESPN's "Friday Night Fights" returns to the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Cabazon, Calif., when Gary Shaw Productions in associations with Thompson Boxing Promotions, presents a lightweight main event attraction featuring Columbia's undefeated power puncher Darley Perez (25-0, 19 KOs) against Australia's rugged tough guy, Michael Katsidis "The Great" (28-6, 23 KOs).

The 10-round bout will air live on ESPN2 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

"Darley Perez is determined to show everyone that he belongs with the big boys," promoter Gary Shaw said. "Beating, Katsidis, who we all know is a very tough fighter, will send a statement to the rest of the lightweight division. Both fighters have something to prove and the fans are going to get their money's worth."

Perez is one of Columbia's the most talented fighters. His aggressive style is extremely exciting, and most of his opponents are overwhelmed with his punch output. He will be facing a very durable opponent in Katsidis, who's been in the ring with the best lightweights in boxing. Perez guarantees a great fight.

"Fighting a guy like Katsidis, who is one of the toughest guys in boxing, is going to be very challenging,'' Perez said. "But I'm a very tough fighter as well and I plan to keep my unbeaten record intact. My team and I have come up with a perfect game plan to beat him. The fans will see a great fight, I can guarantee that!"

Katsidis, known for his grit and determination, is one of boxing's most exciting fighters. Having fought at the championship level several times with the likes of Juan Manuel Marquez (54-6-1, 39 KOs), Robert Guerrero (29-1-1, 18 KOs), Juan Diaz (35-4, 17 KOs) and Joel Casamayor (38-6-1, 22 KOs) to name a few, Katsidis' experience in big fights will be an advantage when he faces Perez.

"I'm coming into this fight with nothing to lose and everything to gain," Katsidis said. "My goal is to get back on top of the lightweight division. Perez is a good fighter, but he has some flaws that I'm going to expose. I don't expect this fight to go the distance. I want to end it early."

The co-feature will showcase Riverside California's, Chris "The Hitman" Avalos (19-2, 15 KOs), against an opponent to be later announced.

Also appearing on the card, is Whittier, California's undefeated lightweight sensation, Alejandro "Charro" Luna (9-0, 7 KOs). With an aggressive approach, Luna is a crowd favorite with a massive fan base.

"I have a lot of fans coming to this fight," Luna said. "I've been training really hard for this fight and I see myself getting better each day. I'm prepared to put on a great show for everyone in attendance."

This event is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions in association with Thomson Boxing Promotions and the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa. Tickets priced $35 & $55 are on sale and can be purchased at the Morongo Casino Box office, or by calling the Box office hotline at (951) 755-5391. Tickets are also available by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745- 3000 or online at ticketmaster.com.

The Morongo Casino Resort and Spa is located at 49500 Seminole Dr, Cabazon, CA, 92230. Doors open at 5 p.m., first fight starts at 5:30 p.m. ESPN "Friday Night Fights" telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.