Quillin KO Sets Up Jacobs Clash; Zerafa Hospitalized

By Jake Donovan

Peter Quillin did his job in the ring to set up an all-Brooklyn showdown with Daniel Jacobs later this year, but a scary scene in the ring put the celebration on hold. 

The former middleweight titlist scored a savage 5th round knockout of Australia's Michael Zerafa in their non-title catchweight bout Saturday afternoon at Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket, Conn. The Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC headliner ended with Zerafa knocked unconscious and carried out of the ring on a stretcher, though responsive as he was being taken to a nearby hospital for medical observation. 

Quillin jumped out to a strong start, catching Zerafa with right hand shots in the opening round. To his credit, the visiting Aussie fought with grit and determination every step of the way, having his say in a very competitive round two and able to land occasional power shots in a 3rd round that saw frequent clinching and hitting on the break. 

The difference in class eventually surfaced in round five, with Quillin landing several shots upstairs. Zerafa proved a bit too brave for his own good, walking into right hands and eventually a left hook that had him on wobbly legs. From there it was right hand city for Quillin, including a final shot straight down the middle to put Zerafa (17-2, 9KOs) down and out.

No count was necessary as the referee immediately signalled for medical attention from ringside physicians. Zerafa's neck was immobilized as he was carried out on a stretcher. The 23-year old Aussie was responsive and insisted on leaving on his own terms, but remained strapped to the gurney and taken to Backus Hospital in nearby Norwich for further observation.

Quillin expressed genuine remorse over Zerafa's status before being asked to move on to new business. 

"It's hard to celebrate a performance like that, especially when someone is leaving on a stretcher. It's not how I wanted to send him out," insisted Quillin, who improved to 32-0-1 (23KOs). 

The former middleweight champ will now set his sights on Jacobs in a planned December 5 clash at Barclays Center, mere minutes from the respective doorsteps of both fighters. When the subject arose, his demeanor immediately shifted. 

"I want you Danny. Now it's time for Brooklyn to get Peter Quillin and Danny Jacobs," Quillin stated directly to Jacobs, who was seated ringside. "Once I get it, I'm going to take it. Then I'm going to give it back to you."

Quillin held a middleweight title for nearly two years before vacating last summer. His reasons varied as to why he wasn't interested in collecting a career-high payday in a mandatory title defense versus Matt Korobov, and the results following that decision have been a mixed bag. 

Andy Lee wound up claiming the vacant title with a knockout win over Korobov. Quillin was granted the opportunity to regain his old belt, but missed weight ahead of an eventual 12-round draw with Lee earlier this year.

Assuming the showdown with Jacobs prevails, he will now have the opportunity to fight for a secondary version of the title. 

"I'm back in camp on Monday. I'm training for Danny Jacobs," Quillin promises.

Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com.

Twitter: @JakeNDaBox

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