Michael Zerafa has launched his latest world title charge in style, scoring a TKO victory over Alejandro Ortiz on the Gold Coast – though ‘Pretty Boy’ was far from happy with his performance.
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Making his first appearance under Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing banner, the controversial Melbourne middleweight delivered exactly what was required on Wednesday night, taking care of the dangerous Venezuelan and ensuring there would be no upset.
And now things could get interesting.
Because with Zerafa ranked No.5 by the WBO and No.6 by the WBA, the 34-year-old suddenly finds himself within distance of another major fight.
That could mean another world title opportunity.
It could mean British superstar Chris Eubank Jr. It could mean a fight with former world champ Tony Harrison.
Or, perhaps another crack at Nikita Tszyu. A lot of doors have opened.
Zerafa wasn’t happy with his performance, though.
“Ah look, it was terrible. I’m not going to sugar-coat it,” Zerafa said.
“He was a tough, awkward fighter. It was good to get the eight rounds.
“I just want to thank Eddie Hearn and the team at Matchroom for the opportunity.
“This is a clean slate. I know I let a lot of people down and I apologise.
“We are Aussies and we need to stick together.
“From the bottom of my heart, I am sorry. Things happen and this is the start of something great.”
‘A new chapter!’: Zerafa scores TKO | 01:01
Zerafa had made no secret ahead of the fight of just how much was riding on Wednesday night.
“If I can’t beat these guys, world title fights are out of the question,” Zerafa told Fox Sports Australia.
And against Ortiz, he did what was needed.
‘Pretty Boy’ dominated the early rounds behind his jab and superior activity before Ortiz finally came alive in the sixth, landing some heavy shots of his own.
Zerafa weathered the storm before turning the screws, dropping Ortiz late in the eighth with a thumping shot.
The Venezuelan managed to make it back to his feet and survive to the bell, but his night was over moments later.
The referee waved off the fight between rounds, handing Zerafa an impressive stoppage victory.
The win is a fresh start for Zerafa after his previous appearance against the younger Tszyu ended in bizarre fashion and was eventually ruled a no contest.
Hearn has suggested Zerafa-Tszyu II could become one of the biggest fights in Australian boxing, while Zerafa has also been linked with a blockbuster showdown against Eubank Jr.
Asked after the fight by Ben Damon who he wants next, Zerafa said he wasn’t fussy.