Michael Zerafa earned a significant victory over Germany's Besir Ay on March 12, 2025, capturing the vacant WBO Intercontinental middleweight title with a TKO stoppage. The match, held at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney, showcased Zerafa's resilience and determination, even as he fought through what he believes was a broken right hand sustained early on.
Prior to this bout, Zerafa faced challenges, including his recent defeat to Erislandy Lara. This win is pivotal for the 33-5 (21 KOs) fighter, who aims to secure a high-profile fight with Australian boxing superstar Tim Tszyu, who is slated to fight Joey Spencer on April 6, 2025.
Despite battling pain, Zerafa demonstrated his dominant boxing skills, especially late in the fight. “I felt it go in round two, but we got the win,” Zerafa mentioned post-fight, acknowledging the injury without letting it hinder his performance. He added, “We need villains sometimes, and I’m happy to play this role.” The bout highlighted his penchant for engaging the audience, admitting, “I always play the villain and I know you guys boo me and I love it.”
The fight was competitive early on, as Ay, holding a record of 19-2 (9 KOs), looked strong at the start. Zerafa, who was initially flat, picked up the pace and began to land effective shots starting the second round, forcing Ay to retreat. By the third round, Zerafa was pushing Ay back and controlling the pace of the match. His successful one-two combinations started to wear Ay down.
After several exchanges where Ay tried to counter, Zerafa found his stride, particularly near the end of the fifth round. He landed multiple combinations, causing Ay to appear shaky by the break. The turning point came within the seventh round when Zerafa unleashed two flurries of powerful punches, flooring Ay twice. “We got the job done,” he reiterated, expressing pride at overcoming adversity to secure the title.
Referee Chris Condon had little choice but to stop the fight after the second knockdown, which officially concluded at 1:34 of the round. The audience witnessed Zerafa’s ability infuse his style with dramatic finishes, reinvigorated by the atmosphere of local support and his desire to earn respect.
Looking forward, Zerafa expressed confidence about stepping back onto the stage against Tszyu, calling it “the biggest fight in Australia.” Despite their previous tensions, he stated, “I’ve got nothing against him. I hope he beats Spencer.” These sentiments mark a notable shift from his usual brash talk, indicating maturity as he prepares for potential future match-ups.
Zerafa's positive reception of Tszyu's boxing prowess surprised observers, including Tszyu himself. “I believe I don’t need to prove it, but we’ll see,” Tszyu remarked during the commentary, acknowledging Zerafa’s recent performance.
While fans anticipate what’s next for both athletes, Zerafa has positioned himself at the forefront of Australian boxing discussions. His interaction with the crowd and recognition of their support showed his evolution as not only a fighter but also as someone who understands the sport's dynamics.
“Whether you love me or hate me, I just want to thank you guys. Australian boxing needs this,” Zerafa said, emphasizing the sport's power to unite fans, regardless of individual rivalries.
This latest victory reestablishes Zerafa within the middleweight scene, proving his capability and potential for future title shots. Continuously defining his character, Zerafa retains his embrace of the fight game, proving consistently he can deliver thrilling performances and captivating narratives, eleving Australian boxing on the world stage. Only time will tell if the anticipated showdown with Tszyu materializes, but for now, Zerafa remains resolute and excited for the road ahead.