Middleweight contender Michael Zerafa closed out the year with a stay-busy win in Syndey, as he picked up a ten round unanimous decision over Danilo Creati.
Zerafa, who is ranked at number 1 by the WBA and 2 by the IBF, handed Creati his first career defeat by banking scored of 98-93, 99-91 and 98-92.
There had been a lot of trash talking in the pre-fight build, but neither boxer took chances during the contest.
Many observers wanted Zerafa to make a statement, to make a better case for a world title shot, but he simply outboxed Creati for a win.
“I know it’s important to win but isn’t it important to win impressively, especially with something on the horizon,” Hall of Famer Jeff Fenech said to Fox Sports. “Don’t you want to show the world I’m ready for this? This is definitely not the statement I was looking for from Michael Zerafa.
“He’s not doing much to show people there’s something terrific about him. He can fight too! I’ve seen him on occasion and go: ‘Wow this kid’s going to be special’ and he goes from that high level to this again ... which for me is unacceptable.”
In the co-featured attraction, former NRL star Paul Gallen ended his boxing career with a record of 16-2-1, with a six round unanimous decision over Justin Hodges. The scores were 60-54, 60-54 and 59-55.
“That was good. I had to do what I had to do. I didn’t take any risks, I just used my left hand as much as I could do. Not many people get to go out on a victory but luckily I got to do it tonight. He broke my heart a couple of times [on the field] so it is good to get one back. He’s a warrior," Gallen said.
“I’m just glad it’s over. I’ve had enough, 41 turning 42. I can just feel it in sparring and training, I’m just slowing down. With all respect to Hodgo, 12 months ago I probably would have won a bit more convincingly. But everything slows down at some stage and I think it’s hit me and it’s time to pull the pin.”
