Joel Casamayor (left) and Michael Katsidis.

TOOWOOMBA boxer Michael Katsidis is preparing for a return to the ring in January.

Katsidis, in a training camp in Thailand, has returned to sparring and is preparing to fight in January, however, trainer Brendon Smith could not confirm an opponent or venue.

“There are a number of things we're working on, but we just have nothing we can confirm,” Smith said.

“Michael will fight in January, but that's all we can confirm at this stage.”

Katsidis has not fought since losing a split-points decision to Juan Diaz in Houston in September.

It was his second, successive defeat, having been stopped in the 10th round by Joel Casamayor in Los Angeles in March.

Smith said the loss to Diaz was spurring Katsidis on.

“He is coming back with a vengeance,” Smith said.

“We're keeping pretty quiet at the moment, but I can tell you he is running the streets here like a man possessed and is ready for a big win.”