Aussie boxer Michael Zerafa has spoken about the tragic deaths of two of his friends and his plans to become the new face of Australian boxing once he beats Tim Tszyu.
Zerafa was branded the most hated man in Aussie boxing when he pulled out of his scheduled fight with Tszyu in 2021, but the Melbourne middleweight has since earned himself a world title shot against Esquiva Falcao.
If Zerafa manages to win the IBF strap, it’ll be a dream come true for the 30-year-old who lost two friends in tragic circumstances over the last few years.
‘If and when I win a world title, this is going to be the biggest bounce backstory in Australian boxing,’ Zerafa told the Herald.
Zerafa’s good mate – and top Australian boxer – Dwight Ritchie tragically died while the pair were sparring in a Melbourne gym in 2019.
Aussie boxer Michael Zerafa has spoken about the tragic deaths of two of his friends and his plans to become the new face of Australian boxing once he beats Tim Tszyu
If Zerafa manages to win the IBF strap, it’ll be a dream come true for the 30-year-old who lost two friends in tragic circumstances over the last few years.
Ritchie, 27, took a few steps back and collapsed after he copped a regulation blow to the stomach.
A devastated Zerafa could do nothing but helplessly watch on in horror as paramedics frantically tried to save the young father-of-three but were unable to revive him.
‘I have seen people dead, I have never seen someone die,’ Zerafa told the Age at the time.
‘It was so sad. He was fit, he was strong… there was nothing significant landed, nothing out of the ordinary, it was just a freak accident. Never in my life has anything like that occurred.’
Zerafa says he blamed himself for his mate’s death – and the guilt was unbearable.
‘Physically, emotionally, mentally … I beat myself up,’ he said.
‘I felt like I had taken a man away from his family. I had to deal with all the fallout of Dwight’s death and then I lost to Jeff Horn. Then one of my good mates Shane Tuck took his life.
‘I went through hell during that time.
‘Dealing with the death of Dwight was the worst thing ever. I hope no one ever has to go through what I did that day. I still think about it now and then, but I have to accept it.
A devastated Zerafa could do nothing but helplessly watch on in horror as paramedics frantically tried to save Dwight Ritchie (pictured) but were unable to revive him
Zerafa said he blamed himself for the loss of Ritchie and he went through ‘hell’ during that time
‘I just remember punching him, it was nothing special, and then Dwight started to fall back, holding his chest. It happened so quick. We couldn’t bring him back.
‘It was devastating. We fought each other in the amateurs and we sparred each other more than 1000 rounds and he was a gentleman.
‘I remember he came into the gym and he just seemed a bit off. He walked in a bit quiet, said quick hi and got his gear on. We got a few rounds in and then that was it, he was gone.
‘No-one really understands some of the dark nights I had.’
Zerafa says he would like to step in the ring for a trilogy fight with Queensland boxer Jeff Horn. But he’d also like to settle the war of words with Tszyu.
Zerafa says he would like to step in the ring for a trilogy fight with Queensland boxer Jeff Horn. But he’d also like to settle the war of words with Tszyu
Zerafa, who is known for his trash talk and cocky persona, believes the Australian public have the wrong idea about him
Tszyu – son of Australian boxing legend Kostya – aims to win the interim WBO welterweight title when he faces skilled American rival Tony Harrison on March 12.
‘It’s time to end the bullshit, it’s the fight that has to happen,’ Zerafa said.
‘It’s the fight Australian wants – it would be bigger than (Anthony) Mundine versus (Danny) Green if there are world titles on the line.
‘To say I’m scared of Tim is a load of garbage. I got the shit end of that stick. I’ve fought eight world champions. I fought for a world title at 22 years old. I fought Peter Quillin for a world title when he had 32 wins with 30 knockouts. I fought Kel Brook. I fought Jeff Horn twice. I have cleaned out my backyard while Tim was in the amateurs.
‘Tszyu reckons he could go to heavyweight and win. Seriously, the bloke is delusional.’
Zerafa believes a bout with Tszyu will be bigger than the Green-Mundine fight in Australia
Zerafa, who is known for his trash talk and cocky persona, believes the Australian public have the wrong idea about him.
‘I think I am misunderstood by the Australian people,’ he said.
‘I know I can’t change everyone’s mind, there’s always haters, but I would love people to see the other side of me.
‘Some people in the boxing media wanted me to play up to being the villain and I thought all right, but it probably got out of control and now I have to roll with it.
‘Outside the ring, I do a lot for people in the general community. I think it’s important to give back. I am always raising money for those in need.’
If Zerafa can win the world title this year it will mark a remarkable redemption for a fighter whose career seemed to be over just a few short years ago.
