Team Zerafa respond to fighter withdrawal against Kerry Hope

 
EARLIER today it came to light that once-beaten Melburnian prospect Michael Zerafa had withdrawn from his WBO affiliated regional title fight with Kerry Hope.

 
The withdrawal of Zerafa (17-1, 9 KOs) left the promoters of the ten-round contest scrambling for an increasingly late last-minute replacement.

 
Through some quality matchmaking and a helping hand from our Trans-Tasman neighbours, Hope (21-7, 2 KOs) will now face WBO #12 world rated Gunnar Jackson (21-5-3, 8 KOs) in a remarkable sequence of events.

 
Team Zerafa, led by manager Mike Altamura released the following statement, exclusively to Aus-Boxing.

 
“Right now, I’m only focused on Michael getting his hand back to one hundred percent,” said Altamura.

 
“He’s had over fifty injections in the hand the last two years,”

 
“I’m concerned about the long-term ramifications,” Altamura added. “It’s only masking the problem and he’s young, fresh and has a lengthy career ahead.”

 
“I’m not booking any fights till he’s pencilled in and then undertakes the surgery on his right hand. He’s only been a shell of himself the last few years due to apprehension to throw the right because of the pain.”

 
 
Photo: Marty Camilleri/Marty’s Knockout Photography