Michael Zerafa targets Dwight Ritchie for Australian title

 
UNBEATEN middleweight Michael Zerafa is looking to make his name stand out amongst a sea of talented contenders by grabbing the Australian middleweight title and fighting one of the most avoided contenders for it – fellow unbeaten Victorian Dwight Ritchie.

 
“I believe that Dwight and I are two of the best prospects to come out of Australia,” said Zerafa in an exclusive interview with Aus-Boxing. “So who better to fight for the Australian title?”

 
“Dwight Ritchie is a very classy and tough opponent and will be the hardest fight of my career but I believe that the two best middleweights should fight for the Australian title – and I think it’s myself – and Dwight.”

 
Zerafa, 22, and Ritchie, also 22, are arguably the two standout prospects in a loaded middleweight division. Unlike the older brigade, which boasts Sam Soliman, Daniel Geale and Jarrod Fletcher at the forefront of the division, both Zerafa and Ritchie are young prospects who are looking to make a name for themselves domestically.

 
In fifteen fights, Zerafa is yet to lose, with his biggest career win coming in February, where he schooled previously unbeaten Luke Sharp on neutral ground in Brisbane. Ritchie is also unbeaten in thirteen fights and has beaten some fellow prospects, most notably Leroy Brown and Dean Mikelj.

 
Prior to that, Zerafa had primarily beaten modest opposition – but it is the way he has dealt with them that has led Zerafa to believe he is ready for his biggest test yet.

 
“I was more than happy to fight Luke Sharp on any ground to be honest; his ground, my ground, or a neutral ground and it would always have been my fight,” he said. “However, it is good to have a fight on neutral ground once in a while, because nobody can say that my in tact record is due to being favoured in my home town.”

 
Zerafa’s toughest night as a professional came last year in June, where he went life-and-death with crafty veteran Rey Anton Olarte. Zerafa was heavily floored in the third round of their scheduled ten round fight. But to his credit, Zerafa stood firm and remarkably scored a thrilling points win.

 
The Craigieburn-based prospect believes that win was the making of him, as well as a firm indicator of how hard he is willing to battle in order to keep his zero.

 
“It made me believe that not even a knockdown can interfere with my will to succeed.”

 
“That fight made me mentally, emotionally and physically tougher. Coming home with a win that night made me believe that any of my future opponents need to give 120% before I go down.”

 
Zerafa turned professional under the guidance of Daryl Ford at the Glenroy Boxing Club. However, after several years under Ford’s wing, Zerafa made the move across to Joe Nader at the Powerplay Gymnasium in Brunswick.

 
Nader is traditionally known for his work in kickboxing – however Zerafa believes the move has been for the best.

 
“I began my professional career as a light middleweight, which introduced me to many fast moving fighters which has prepared me for the middleweight division, where I am now,” he continued. “At middleweight, I am fitter, stronger and smarter, so middleweight definitely suits me better.”

 
“I’ve always known Joe through his promotions with Powerplay. I was placed in a situation where I had to find a new trainer, and I made the wise decision to move into the team at Powerplay. Ever since then, Joe and I have created a great bond, and we both believe we will make it to the top together.”

 
As it stands, boxing in Victoria is arguably at it’s strongest point in well over a decade with some talented fighters set to turn professional, as well as the one’s who have already started their journey.

 
They include super middleweight duo Jake Carr and Zac Dunn – both of whom are undefeated and hold a slew of titles in only a handful of years as professionals.

 
In addition to the duo stand both Zerafa (15-0, 7 KOs) and Ritchie (9-0, 1 KO). Such is the strength of the group combined, they were used exclusively by IBF middleweight champion Sam Soliman in his build up to dethroning Felix Sturm.

 
“Sparring Sam Soliman for an ongoing period for his preparation against Felix Sturm was an absolute pleasure and a great learning experience,” Zerafa said. “It allowed me to excel in my ability to mix it with the best, and show everybody that I am in the same league as the best. Much respect to Sam Soliman and a huge congratulations to him and his team.”

 
“Dunn, Carr, and Ritchie are also top quality fighters, but I believe that my hard work and dedication goes beyond any fighters in the middleweight division. I am glad that I have had multiple opportunities to spar the likes of Dunn and Carr.”

 
“I have sparred Dwight on a few occasions but it was a while ago, so I take nothing from it as it was a few years back when we were both starting off.”

 
While the particulars are yet to be ironed out or even discussed, there appears be several stumbling blocks that prevent a salivating fight between Zerafa and Ritchie from taking place.

 
But if the fight was to be made from the eagerness of the participants alone, the signing of this fight would be a mere formality.

 
“I believe that if the fight went ahead the winner will no doubt will be the best middleweight in Australia, both myself and Dwight have earned our shot,” he continued.

 
“I have a lot of respect for Dwight and I would never disrespect another fighter.” he said in closing. “I just want a shot at the title and I believe Dwight’s earned his shot as well.”

 
 
Photo: Louie Abigail/Photography by Rockfingrz