Marquez stops Katsidis to keep WBA lightweight title

LAS VEGAS, Nevada: Juan Manuel Marquez stopped Michael Katsidis in the ninth round on Saturday to retain his World Boxing Association and World Boxing Organization lightweight titles.

Mexico's Marquez regrouped after an early knockdown and punished the Australian challenger in the ninth. After Katsidis was hurt by a series of combinations referee Kenny Bayless called a halt for the technical knockout at 2:14 of the round.

"We worked really hard for this fight, and I could tell my body shots were wearing him down," said the 37-year-old champion, who improved to 52-5 with one draw and 38 knockouts

After eight rounds, the three judges had Marquez leading, 78-74, 76-75, 77-74. Katsidis had knocked down Marquez with a left hook in the third.

Katsidis, who was taken to hospital as a precaution after the fight, said he remained wary of the Mexican veteran even after the knockdown.

"I always knew it was in the cards to knock him down," said Katsidis, who fell to 27-3 with 22 knockouts. "But this is boxing and he is a very experienced fighter. I've seen a lot of guys come undone from rushing in trying to finish him off.

"He was stronger than me and it ended up getting stopped," Katsidis added. "I'm not disappointed because I have gone through a lot to get to this fight."

Katsidis decided to continue his Thailand-based training last month after the unexpected death of his brother, Stathi Katsidis, a 31-year-old Australian champion jockey from Brisbane.

Marquez confirmed his desire for a third fight with Filipino hero Manny Pacquiao, saying: "That's what we want, because I always want to fight the best."

Marquez and Pacquiao first fought in 2004 -- a slugfest that ended in a draw. Their 2008 rematch saw Pacquaio take a split decision.

On the undercard, unbeaten American Andre Berto impressively defended his World Boxing Council welterweight belt, stopping Freddy Hernandez at 2:07 in the first round.

Berto improved to 27-0 with 21 knockouts.

He rocked Hernandez with a left hook, then sent him to the canvas with a straight right.

Hernandez got up before referee Russell Mora counted 10 but Mora stopped the fight and Hernandez fell to 29-2.