Golden Boy Boxing: Campbell, Lara Head Undercard Of Marquez vs. Katsidis

A former World Champion, an undefeated Cuban sensation and a trio of boxing’s most ferocious young punchers will take to the ring at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Saturday, Nov. 27, in separate undercard bouts leading up to the highly-anticipated Lightweight World Championship main event between Juan Manuel Marquez and Michael Katsidis.

In addition to the HBO televised undercard action featuring Andre Berto vs. Freddy Hernandez and Celestino Caballero vs. Jason Litzau, a Thanksgiving weekend fistic feast will be served with former World Champion Nate “The Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell, Cuban junior middleweight sensation Erislandy Lara, unbeaten young knockout artists Keith Thurman, Bastie Samir and Michael Finney, as well as top Mexican prospect Gilberto Gonzalez all seeing action on a huge undercard.

One of boxing’s most feared fighters for years, Jacksonville, Florida’s Nate Campbell (33-6-1, 25 KOs) finally got his just due in 2008 when he defeated Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz for the IBF, WBA and WBO Lightweight Titles. In 2009, Campbell tested the waters at 140 pounds, but after bouts against Timothy Bradley and Victor Ortiz, the 38-year-old “Galaxy Warrior” is returning to the weight where he had his greatest triumphs.

On November 27, he will face Colombian southpaw Walter Estrada (37-13-1, 25 KOs), who is unbeaten in his last three bouts against opponents owning a combined 54-10-3 record, in an eight round bout.

A graduate of Cuba’s legendary amateur boxing system, 27-year-old southpaw Erislandy Lara (13-0, 8 KOs) has ripped through his professional opposition thus far, defeating the respected Grady Brewer, Danny Perez and Willie Lee in 2010 alone. Later this month, Lara looks to close out 2010 with another big win in a 10-round bout.

21-year-old phenom Keith Thurman (14-0, 13 KOs) is nicknamed “One Time”, and it’s an apt moniker considering that it seems like he only needs to hit opponents one time before they’re staring up at the lights. Winner of 11 bouts in two rounds or less, don’t blink when this heavy hitter from Largo, Fla. steps between the ropes.

Looking to light up the Las Vegas night in their hometowns will be middleweight Bastie Samir and junior welterweight Michael Finney. Boasting undefeated records, Samir (6-0, 6 KOs) and Finney (5-0, 5 KOs), are two power punchers who are determined to KO their opponents quickly with Samir having scored five first-round knockouts and Finney four. These young Las Vegas stars have statements to make and will look to create fireworks at MGM Grand on November 27 in separate four-round bouts.

Rounding out this explosive card will be WBC Youth Lightweight Champion and Juan Manuel Marquez protégé Gilberto Gonzalez (16-1, 12 KOs), a hard-hitting prospect from Mexico City who will look to extend his seven-fight winning streak in an eight-round fight.

“Warriors: Marquez vs. Katsidis,” a 12-round World Championship bout, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Marquez Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and DeWalt Tools. The bout will be televised live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing beginning at 9:45 pm ET / 6:45 pm PT.

Tickets for “Warriors: Marquez vs. Katsidis,” priced at $350, $250, $150, $100 and $50, are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com