NewsBite

Michael Zerafa promises to knock Anthony Mundine out

War of words erupts between Michael Zerafa and Anthony Mundine ahead of their March 13 fight.

Anthony Mundine (left) and Michael Zerafa have plenty to say to each other before their March 13 fight. Picture: Jonathan DiMaggio/Getty Images
Anthony Mundine (left) and Michael Zerafa have plenty to say to each other before their March 13 fight. Picture: Jonathan DiMaggio/Getty Images

Michael Zerafa says only divine intervention will save Anthony Mundine when the pair meet for the WBA Oceania middleweight title at Bendigo Stadium in March.

The fight was confirmed on Friday, with Zerafa, who at 28 is 17 years younger than Mundine, taunting the former rugby league star in a spiteful press conference.

“Come fight night he’s saying he’s going to bring his A game and knock me out, but keep your sponsorship at the bottom of your shoes because you’re going to be looking up at the ceiling – I’m going to knock you out,” Zerafa said.

“You’re too old, it’s a young man’s sport.

“I can smell the fear from here ... four rounds you will fall.

“You better have God by your side because I’m coming with bad intentions.

“I wish it was tonight so I can beat your head in already.”

Zerafa, who has 27 wins from 31 professional bouts and claims new sensation Tim Tszyu is avoiding him, hasn’t fought since December last year when he was controversially beaten by Jeff Horn.

That fight was less than four months after Zerafa beat Horn in the pair’s first bout.

Anthony Mundine (left) and Michael Zerafa exchange words ahead of their March 13 fight. Picture: Jonathan DiMaggio/Getty Images
Anthony Mundine (left) and Michael Zerafa exchange words ahead of their March 13 fight. Picture: Jonathan DiMaggio/Getty Images

“I knocked Jeff Horn out – you can’t do nothing,” Zerafa shouted at Mundine, who was crushed by Horn inside one round in November 2018.

Mundine also lost his most recent bout, in November last year, to renowned kick-boxer John Wayne Parr in Brisbane.

That was Mundine’s 10th loss in 58 fights, and his sixth defeat in his past 10 bouts.

But the 45-year-old insisted he would be too good for Zerafa on March 13.

“I don’t see anything special about this dude ... I swear he ain’t gonna do s***,” Mundine said.

“I know I’m more skilful. I’m better, I’m stronger at middleweight – this boy is going down.

“He’s a fighter. He’s got to believe that he’s going to win, but deep down in his gut, he knows he’s going to be in trouble.”

Mundine said the age difference would not matter.

“My nickname back in Sydney is 40-20. I’m in my 40s but I look like I’m in my 20s,” he said.

“He’s pretty boy but after the fight he’s going to be a pretty girl.

“Let’s make a deal. When I whip his arse, he’s going to say, ‘you were right, you are definitely The Man now’, and if he beats me, I’ll do the same.

“You cannot beat me – I don’t fear no man.”

Originally published as Michael Zerafa promises to knock Anthony Mundine out

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.ntnews.com.au/sport/michael-zerafa-promises-to-knock-anthony-mundine-out/news-story/3896c8923daf4c5caee572b72899a5e9