Star boxer Michael Zerafa wants to face off with Dustin Martin in the ring

Footy champ Dustin Martin has been invited to square off with star boxer Michael Zerafa in the ring. Here’s why.

Dustin Martin uses boxing as part of his fitness regimen. Picture: John Gass

Star boxer Michael Zerafa wants to punch on with Richmond champion Dustin Martin.

Martin, a boxing fan who uses boxing as part of his fitness routine, has caught Zerafa’s attention with the headline-making pugilist extending an invitation to him to get in the ring.

“There are talks that he wants to fight. If he wants to jump in the ring I am ready, I will welcome him,” Zerafa, who is training for his title fight with Anthony Mundine in Bendigo in March, said.

“If he wants to step in the ring I am the man to face.

“I have met him outside of the boxing gym, but I have never met him formally in a gym, but that could change.

Melbourne boxer Michael Zerafa wants to punch on with Dusty Picture: Ian Currie

“We could do it for a charity event. If he wants to transition to boxing I’ll show him how hard the sport is.

“He dominates on the footy field, can he bring the same talent and co-ordination in the boxing ring? Only one way to find out.”

Martin’s footy contract may make a boxing debut impossible until after his playing days are over.

It is not the first time Martin has attracted the attention of the boxing world.

Former WBO welterweight champion Jeff Horn’s promoters voiced interest in 2018 about approaching Martin to take part in an exhibition bout against another AFL player.

Zerafa has fought Horn on two occasions for a win and a loss.

He is angling for a showdown with Australian boxing’s rising star, Tim Tszyu.