15 rounds with Michael Zerafa

Middleweight contender Michael Zerafa 27-4 (16) is reaching his stride.

The WBA number seven and WBO number four contender scored a breakthrough win last year, knocking out former WBO welterweight champion Jeff Horn in nine rounds in August before dropping a majority decision in the immediate rematch in December.

The 28-year-old believes his best days are still ahead of him and with 31 pro fights under his belt he says he can still be a force on the world stage.

Join us as we look forward and back on Zerafa’s career over 15 fast-paced rounds.

Round 1: What attracted you to boxing in the first place?

Zerafa: Loved the dedication and discipline involved.

Round 2: Toughest fight in the amateurs or pros?

Zerafa: Would definitely be Kell Brook in England.

Round 3: Biggest puncher you’ve faced?

Zerafa: Peter Quillin.

Round 4: What are the best and worst thing about being a boxer?

Zerafa: Best thing to me winning after all the hard work, worst is cutting weigh.

Round 5: What is your most defining win of your career?

Zerafa: Stopping Jeff Horn.

Round 6: What are your goals for the next 12 months?

Zerafa: If not getting a third fight with Horn, Tim Tszyu or back overseas.

Round 7: What are some your hobbies away from the ring?

Zerafa: Love the outdoors, fishing, camping.

Round 8: Who is always ringside for your fights?

Zerafa: My family and close friends, sponsors and most importantly my team.

Round 9: Who has been biggest influence on your career?

Zerafa: Would have to be my brother and sister, they’ve always stuck by me.

Round 10: What fight have you learnt the most from?

Zerafa: Going 12 rounds with Kell Brook taught me I belong at the top level and what I need to change to stay there.

Round 11: What is something our readers would be surprised to learn about you?

Zerafa: I’m a huge sweet tooth and I have to have a block of Cadbury a night.

Round 12: Do you have any superstitions or rituals you follow in the lead-up to fight night?

Zerafa: My hand wraps have to be white pre-fight. I believe it makes me faster!

Round 13: What is your favourite post-fight feed?

Zerafa: Would have to be mum’s homemade chicken schnitz and chocolate.

Q14: Why would we find you when you’re away from the gym?

Zerafa: Around my friends and family, just being a kid.

Q15: If you weren’t boxing, what would you be doing?

Zerafa: I’m a qualified carpenter so probably pursuing that career, but boxing has been my life since I was seven years old.