Barry Michael talks Dunn vs. Berrocal, final eliminator for IBO title

 
IF all goes to plan for Melbourne-based promoter Barry Michael, his charge Zac Dunn will be in one corner vying for the IBO super middleweight title in June.

 
Michael has put together a tentative nine-fight card on March 6th, headlined by a twelve-round WBO regional title fight between undefeated WBO #13 Zac Dunn and WBC #15 Beibi Berrocal, with a dual purpose of serving as an official final eliminator for the IBO super middleweight title.

 
“I see the fight between Beibi Berrocal and Zac Dunn as one of those fights that can’t go the distance,” said Michael in an exclusive interview with Aus-Boxing.

 
“This is a final eliminator for the IBO super middleweight world title and it’s going to be a war.”

 
“If Zac wins this final eliminator he will undoubtedly be fighting for the IBO world title on June 4th at the Royal Exhibition Building.”

 
In Berrocal, 27, Dunn is facing a hard hitting Colombian native (14-2, 14 KOs) who has won all but three of his seventeen fights as a professional, with all fourteen wins coming by knockout.

 
Dunn, 24, has made a smooth transition from the amateurs to the professional ranks, looking unchallenged in his sixteen fights, winning all bar two by knockout. Dunn (16-0, 14 KOs) has scored wins over the formerly world rated Ricardo Marcelo Ramallo, former Manny Pacquiao sparring partner Marlon Alta and durable Kiwi Lee Oti.

 
Although Michael is understandably confident in his fighter’s abilities, he is still expecting an acid test from the Colombian, who will be fighting outside of his native country for only the second time as a professional.

 
“Both fighters have twenty eight knockouts between them in only of thirty two fights, what does that tell you?” Michael asked. “It will be explosive and it will end in a knockout one way or another for sure,”

 
Dunn signed a five-fight deal with Michael late last year and with the undefeated Victorian having won his first two fights under Michael’s managerial and promotional guidance, Michael has already seen firm improvements.

 
“I have watched Zac Dunn’s progression from being an amateur star to being an undefeated and world rated professional,” Michael continued. “He has basically flown under the radar until recently and now he is ready to fight on the world stage against tough opposition,”

 
“He is a very exciting fighter to watch because he destroys his opponents. He is truly a throwback to the real fighters of past eras, think of Jake Lamotta.”

 
Michael’s upcoming card aptly titled ‘Under the Dome’ will be the second time Michael has brought professional boxing to the iconic Royal Exhibition Building. Before his most recent card in December, boxing had not been under the picturesque dome of the Royal Exhibition Building since 1938.

 
“Our first show was a huge success at this iconic and magnificent building,” Michael explained. “We have learnt from our first show and this one will be so much better. We are going to have tiered seating for the general admission seats that will have great view,”

 
“Our caterer Luckman Catering have promised to deliver the very best cuisine possible and Mister Mixer will once again be providing quality cocktails, ice cold beer straight from the barrel with quality wine and soft drinks,”

 
“The response from our last show has been positive and this is going to be on another level again,”

 
 
Photo: Louie Abigail/Photography by Rockfingrz