Michael Zerafa on standby if Brock Jarvis withdraws following his ugly split with legendary trainer

Aussie rising star Brock Jarvis is set for the biggest fight of his life against Keith Thurman on March 12. But after his shock split with Jeff Fenech, promoters have a Plan B in place if Jarvis withdraws.

Australian boxing’s bad boy Michael Zerafa has been placed on standby to fight American superstar Keith Thurman amid fears Brock Jarvis could withdraw following his explosive split with Jeff Fenech.

Zerafa confirmed he has been approached by promoters No Limit to step up and fight Thurman if Jarvis is a late scratching for the blockbuster bout at the Hordern Pavilion on March 12.

Hall of Fame icon Fenech exclusively told this masthead last week that he had sensationally quit as Jarvis’ trainer over a series of disagreements just a month out from the Thurman showdown.

Brock Jarvis is slated to fight American legend Keith Thurman. Picture: No Limit Boxing

It is understood moves have been made for Fenech and Jarvis to smoke the peace pipe, but the pair remain at loggerheads and appear at long odds to join forces again after their second bust-up in as many years.

Jarvis faces taking the biggest bout of his career without his long-time mentor, triggering contractual concerns as to whether the 27-year-old Sydneysider will proceed with the Thurman fight.

That has prompted No Limit to enact a Plan B and that man is Zerafa, who vowed to end Thurman’s career if called upon to throw down with the 36-year-old American legend.

Melbourne mauler Zerafa (32-5) is currently pencilled in as a co-main to take on Germany’s Besir Ay (19-1) for the vacant WBO intercontinental middleweight title, but ‘Pretty Boy’ would relish a shot at Thurman.

Jarvis (left) and Jeff Fenech have fallen out just weeks out from the Thurman showdown.

“I don’t know what the situation is with Brock, but if he’s not able to fight, I’m happy to step in and save the card,” Zerafa said.

“I’ve been approached to see if I would be on standby if Brock pulls out and it’s a great outcome for me either way.

“It’s exciting. I’m ready to fight anyone. I’m in a fight camp myself.

“I’m already on this card as a co-main so if there’s a change in circumstances, I’ll step up and put on a great fight against Thurman and get the win.

“I’m ready to take Thurman out once and for all. I’ll put the nails in his coffin.

“I’ll slap that receding hairline off Thurman’s head.”

Jarvis has given no indication he could pull out, but No Limit are exploring possible contingencies in the wake of revelations his legendary trainer Fenech has fallen out with his protege.

Zerafa is ready to fly the flag for Australia if Jarvis withdraws.

It is understood the ructions were multi-faceted, but a primary issue was Fenech not being consulted on the Thurman fight.

The 60-year-old loves Jarvis like a son — he dated Fenech’s daughter Kayla for five years — but the Australian boxing great is concerned his former protege is not ready to jump in the ring with Thurman.

The American’s record is remarkable. The former welterweight world champion has lost just once in 31 career fights, against Filipino sensation Manny Pacquiao, but Zerafa insists he would not fear Thurman, who hasn’t fought in three years.

“To be honest, Thurman is better off facing Brock, because I would hurt him a lot more than Brock would,” Zerafa said.

“He better hope that Brock turns up that night.

“All respect to Brock, he is a lightweight coming up and Thurman was a welterweight, so he is playing with the big boys now at middleweight.

Thurman (right) is a boxing legend who has lost just once to Manny Pacquiao (left).

“I walk around at 80-plus kilos, so he better hope Brock rocks up, because if I’m the fill in, Thurman will be in for a long night and a very painful night.”

There is another sweet inducement for Zerafa.

The Jarvis-Thurman bout is regarded as an eliminator to face Tim Tszyu. Should Zerafa be called up to face Thurman - and beat him - the 32-year-old would be in prime position for a grudge match with bitter rival Tszyu.

“I would be more than happy to end Tim Tszyu’s career,” Zerafa said.

“To be honest, I don’t need Tim Tszyu. He has no belts. I’m still in the world rankings and I want to have a crack at another world title.

“I’ve been pushing for it. I’ve said it’s the fight Australia wants to see.

“We are both signed with No Limit, so the ball is in their court.”

Originally published as Michael Zerafa on standby if Brock Jarvis withdraws following his ugly split with legendary trainer