Quillin Insists Now Is The Time For Jacobs Showdown
Sep 13, 2015 • 9:40 AM ET
By Jake Donovan
Peter Quillin was forced to put his celebration on hold following a 5th round knockout win over Australia's Michael Zerafa. The frightening feat came in front of an NBC-televised viewing crowd Saturday afternoon at Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket, Conn,
A series of right hands—first initiated by a sweeping left hook on the inside—had Zerafa in serious trouble, with a final right hand along the ropes snapping back his head and rendering him unconscious in slinking to the canvas.
Despite the fight being viewed as a mismatch, Quillin treated it as if he was once again fighting for a middleweight title.
"I made a bad mistake in my past earlier in my career when I fought Dionisio Miranda," Quillin said of the scare he received in his June '08 ESPN2-televised crossroads bout with the Miami-based Colombian. "He hurt me and almost stopped me. I learned, you have to get everyone credit."
Zerafa eventually came to his senses and was hoping to leave the ring on his own authority. Insead, he was immobilized and carried out on a stretcher before being brought to nearby Brackus Hospital for further observation.
Once the ring was cleared, Quillin played to his "Kid Chocolate" nickname, throwing candy to the crowd on hand. His next few words, however, weren't quite as sweet.
Seated ringside was current middleweight Daniel Jacobs. The pair of Brooklynites will now collide December 5 at Barclays Center, with Showtime to televise live.
"I want you Danny. Now it's time for Brooklyn to get Peter Quillin and Danny Jacobs," Quillin shouted in Jacobs' direction after the fight. "Once I get it, I'm going to take it. Then I'm going to give it back to you.
"Danny is a Black American, so I'm coming to eat his chocolate too."
Quillin is on his own in explaining the last part (other than offering a refeence to his Kid Chocolate nickname), but less cryptic are his plans for the immediate future. The former middleweight titlist conceded his crown last August, but came up short in a 12-round draw with Andy Lee this past April.
"I'm back in camp on Monday," Quillin (32-0-1, 23KOs). I'm training for Danny Jacobs."
Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com.
Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
Facebook Page: JakeBScene
Jake Donovan is an award-winning journalist who served as senior writer for BoxingScene from 2007-2024, and news editor for the final nine years of his first tour. He was also the lead writer for The Ring before his decision to return home.
