“I have put my entire life into this”: Michael Zerafa ahead of WBA world title opportunity

On Saturday, March 30, Michael Zerafa (31-4-0) will challenge Erislandy Lara (29-3-3) for the WBA Middleweight world title at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Born in Melbourne, Australia, 31-year-old Zerafa will fight for world championship glory for the first time as a professional boxer.

The WBA No.1 has won his last four fights, three of those by stoppage, and is eager to perform on such a big stage.

“I’m super excited,” Zerafa told SportsByte. “It’s been a dream to fight in Las Vegas at the T-Mobile Arena and it’s finally happening.

“Becoming a world champion has been a dream of mine since I was seven years old. It’s all I’ve ever worked towards so having the opportunity is unbelievable.

“I have put my entire life into this and worked incredibly hard for it so I knew it was going to happen.”

His opponent, Cuban southpaw and former two-weight world champion Erislandy Lara, is an incredibly gifted fighter.

Lara has an stacked resume, with wins over Austin Trout, Terrell Gausha and Gary O’Sullivan.

His three defeats have all been razor tight decision loses, with the most notable being against pound for pound star Cáñelo Alvarez back in 2014, where most believed Lara won the fight.

Speaking about his opponent, Zerafa said: “I expect Lara to be sharp and slick. He’s got incredible footwork and I know he’s going to bring his very best.”

Zerafa last boxed outside of Australia when he fought Kell Brook in Sheffield in 2018, and despite being on the end of a unanimous decision loss, he has since rebuilt with some very impressive performances.

He will be trained by future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire for his fight with Lara.

“Preparations have been great. I’ve trained harder and a lot different for this fight, implementing new things and I can’t wait to showcase it.”

The bout between Zerafa and Lara is part of a stacked undercard on March 30, which leads to a colossal main event between Tim Tszyu and Sebastian Fundora.

The broadcast rights are yet be to announce in the UK, but you do not want to miss this incredible night of boxing, including Michael Zerafa’s quest for world championship glory.