LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Michael Zerafa’s superstar trainer says the brash Melburnian would be too strong for Tim Tszyu should they eventually headline an all-Australia blockbuster, warning: “When Michael’s mind is on there’s nothing can stop him”.
The declaration comes as Zerafa also accused WBA middleweight champ Erislandy Lara of looking past him ahead of Sunday’s title showdown inside T Mobile Area.
“And Jeff Horn did the same thing,” Zerafa warned.
“Jeff beat Manny Pacquiao, took me as a light fight and I ended up knocking him out.”
As first revealed by Fox Sports Australia, Zerafa has hired Filipino legend Nonito Donaire as his head trainer for a Lara title fight that has been over a year in the making.
In a surprise twist, the fighter dubbed ‘Pretty Boy’ has also requested Donaire’s wife Rachel be part of his corner given her own experiences as both a manager and trainer.
BOXING: Don’t miss Tim Tszyu in a unified World Title fight this Sunday against 6-foot 6 Towering Inferno Sebastian Fundora. Plus catch fellow Aussie Michael Zerafa taking on Erislandy Lara for his shot to become the Middle Weight World Champion LIVE from Las Vegas | SUN 31 MAR 11AM AEDT | Exclusive to Main Event, order on Kayo Sports. No Kayo subscription needed.
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Speaking during Wednesday’s open workouts, Donaire praised the changes Zerafa has made – particularly mentally — in preparation for the biggest fight of his career.
The future Hall of Famer added the transformation meant the 32-year-old would be too much for Tszyu should they eventually choose to throw down.
Elsewhere, Donaire stressed that despite coming off consecutive world title losses himself, he was still, at age 41, looking to secure a bout with Australia’s WBO bantamweight king Jason Moloney.
Quizzed on the changes he had made with Zerafa in preparation for Lara, the famed ‘Filipino Flash’ said: “I’m bringing out the best in Michael, not only in terms of his ability, but his mind.
“I think that’s the difference coming in this weekend, you have a Michael Zerafa who is wholeheartedly ready.”
Asked to expand, Donaire continued: “Fighters generally have a lot of thoughts going on.
“And while Michael doesn’t say it, I feel there is a lot of uncertainty for him at times.
“So for me, it’s been about reassuring him.
“Because Michael definitely has the skills, same as he has the heart.
“So it’s about knowing ‘hey, you’ve trained hard for this and know exactly what you need to do … so stop thinking and let those hands go, let them go’.”
Donaire also said this version of Zerafa would be too much for Tszyu.
“Because when Michael’s mind is on, nothing can stop him,” he said.
“And I know that because I’ve trained with him.
“Know because I’m training him.
“I’ve seen what he’s capable of.
“And when he’s there mentally nothing stops him.
“So in that fight, I’m going with my guy”.
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Donaire was quick to add however that, despite the ongoing bad blood between the pair, Zerafa wants to see Tszyu defeat Sebastian Fundora for the WBO and WBC titles on the same card.
“And that’s something I really respect him for,” he said.
“Even though these guys have a rivalry, Michael’s told me he is giving Tszyu all the support he can this weekend.
“And then maybe in the future they can make the fight happen.
“For me, that’s big respect.
“Obviously these guys have their differences – may even hate each other – but over here as two Australians they’re one.”
Asked if he would continue training Zerafa if he becomes world champion, or potentially chases a Tszyu showdown, Donaire said he would be happy to.
“But Michael is my family now, which is more important than anything else,” he said.
“So if he ever says he doesn’t me, or needs somebody better, then I would be OK with that.”
And as for talk of him chasing a Moloney fight himself?
“Absolutely,” Donaire grinned.
“That’s something I’d love to do.
“Jason’s very good and champion for a reason … which is why I’m going to take that belt.”
Then after a pause. Donaire cackled: “Now that’s the Michael Zerafa coming out in me”.
BOXING: Don’t miss Tim Tszyu in a unified World Title fight this Sunday against 6-foot 6 Towering Inferno Sebastian Fundora. Plus catch fellow Aussie Michael Zerafa taking on Erislandy Lara for his shot to become the Middle Weight World Champion LIVE from Las Vegas | SUN 31 MAR 11AM AEDT | Exclusive to Main Event, order on Kayo Sports. No Kayo subscription needed.
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Speaking before a crowd of fight fans inside the MGM Grand, Zerafa said he was ready to fulfil a lifelong dream against Lara.
“And I’ve been lucky enough to have Rachel and Nonito Donaire in my corner,” he said. “Which is huge artillery going into this fight.
“They’ve kept my sane.
“Kept me pushing the pace and exactly where I need to be.
“No stone unturned.
“We’ve travelled across to the other side of the world not to be an opponent but to take what’s rightfully mine.”
And as for his opponent?
“I’m a huge fan of Lara,” he said. “Even prior to us becoming opponents.
“But he’s getting on.
“I believe he’s held the belt for way too long.
“He’s just looking for a payday with (Danny) Garcia or one of those guys. I’m here to upset the plan and take, like I said, what is rightfully mine.
“This fight should’ve happened 13 months ago.
“I know it’s going to be a hard fight but I’ve prepared for 12 rounds.”
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Zerafa added Lara was overlooking him as a rival.
“Yeah, 100 per cent,” he said.
“Jeff Horn did the same thing.
“Jeff beat Manny Pacquiao then took me as a light fight and I ended up knocking him out.
“And I think (Lara) is doing the same thing.
“It’s a huge mistake.”
Asked about Tszyu, he added: “Usually we’re against each other but Saturday night I’m in his corner and I hope he wins.
“And hopefully he’s in my corner.
“It’s going to be a huge night for Australian boxing.”
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