By Glen McCullough

MICHAEL Katsidis thought he had sung his final song.

Two years spent on the sidelines after wooing fans around the world during an exciting five-year international career looked to have ended his days in the boxing spotlight.

But a return to his beloved home-town Toowoomba has given Katsidis new voice and a hunger to chase a special career win at Rumours International next week.

Katsidis will look to continue his successful return to the ring under trainer-manager Brendon Smith when he meets England's Graham Earl in a rematch of their memorable 2007 WBO world lightweight title fight.

Up for grabs is the WBU world junior welterweight title belt Katsidis is desperate to claim in his final Toowoomba fight appearance.

"I thought I'd sung my final song," Katsidis said.

"But now this is happening, it's kind of surreal.

"The WBU title is big in England and Graham Earl wants it so badly.

"But this is my last fight in Toowoomba and to win this title not only for Australia but to do it here in my home town would be a great moment.

"I don't know if people realise what I'm in for against Earl.

"He's been training for this in Ireland since we signed.

"But I've worked so hard and the people I've got behind me are getting me back to where I was.

"Brendon said I've come on 100 lengths since my last fight.

"I'm where I need to be."