‘Mamma mia’: Aussie Michael Zerafa brutally knocked out in Vegas

Michael Zerafa’s world title dream suddenly turned into a “heartbreaking” nightmare when he was brutally knocked out.

Michael Zerafa was 'starched'. Photo: Main Event.

Australia’s Michael Zerafa’s world title hopes were brutally dashed in six minutes after Erislandy Lara knocked him out with one second left in the second round.

With the WBA middleweight title on the line, Lara looked a class above in the early stages before delivering a killer left hook that send Zerafa crashing to the canvas.

The 32-year-old Aussie was stunned by the blow, shaking his head at the referee before stumbling to his feet against the ropes before the fight was stopped.

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PBC on Prime Video commentator Mauro Ranallo said: “There it is on cue. Mamma mia!”

“In lightning quick fashion, the Cuban missile of Erislandy Lara starches Michael Zerafa.”

Zerafa, who is best known for pulling out of a fight against Tszyu in 2020, could find his career in tatters after the brutal loss.

Michael Zerafa was 'starched'. Photo: Main Event.

Michael Zerafa got knocked out.

Megan Barnard said on Main Event: “Heartbreak for Michael Zerafa, who has his dream of a world title shattered.”

Zerafa appeared to fall into Lara’s trap and paid a heavy price.

The Victorian followed through with a jab and left himself open to a two-punch combo from Lara that ended the fight with a searing left hand.

The knockout came after a lifeless second round where the crowd was heard booing as a result of the lack of urgency from both fighters.

Suddenly it was all over

“It is not Zerafa doing anything wrong, it’s Lara doing everything right,” fight commentator Abner Mares said in commentary.

“The angle was perfect for Lara… he sets it up with that jab.”

Fight commentator Joe Goossen said Zerafa’s stance after his jab was a “southpaw’s dream”.

Where Zerafa’s career heads after this now remains unclear.

Zerafa is the 18th fighter to be knocked out by Lara, who will turn 41 year’s old this year.

Originally published as ‘Mamma mia’: Aussie Michael Zerafa brutally knocked out in Vegas