Kerry Hope: “I’m literally open to facing anyone in the country”

 
KERRY Hope is calling out Australia’s best at both super middleweight and middleweight.

 
The Brisbane-based southpaw has put the challenge out to Australia’s best in both divisions to man up and face him, although the rugged 34-year-old believes many Aussie fighters are putting him in the “too hard basket.”

 
“I’m literally open to facing anyone in the country,” said Hope. “But my phone hasn’t been ringing off the hook,”

 
“The way I see it, myself and Michael Zerafa still have unfinished business.”

 
Hope (23-7, 2 KOs) and Zerafa (19-2, 10 KOs) were scheduled to fight for a WBO-affliated regional title last June. However, the Melburnian withdrew 48 hours before the fight, and was eventually replaced by Gunnar Jackson.

 
The relocated Welshman has offered to fight Zerafa and the hard-hitting Zac Dunn in the space of two days.

 
“We were scheduled to fight each other last year and he pulled out a day before the fight,” Hope explained.

 
“I’m more than happy to travel to Melbourne and belt him in front of his home support – and while I’m down there – maybe I can fight Zac Dunn the following night. I say we give the public what they deserve.”

 
“There are plenty of good fights to be made at middleweight and super middleweight.”

 
If Hope is unable to secure a fight with Zerafa or Dunn, he has also offered his services to the winner of the looming IBO super middleweight title fight between Daniel Geale and Renold Quinlan next month.

 
“I’d love to face the winner,” he concluded. “Daniel Geale is a true warrior, he’s fought absolutely everyone,”

 
“We both came up short against Darren Barker, although Geale would probably have gotten the nod if the fight was in Australia. If he gets by Renold Quinlan – who is no slouch – I’d certainly love to have a crack.”

 
 
Words: Press Release
Photo: Lights Out Images