Middleweight contender Michael Zerafa believes that he's the “biggest payday” for IBF, WBA, IBO world champion Gennadiy Golovkin.
Zerafa has been targeting a fight with Golovkin since last year, but he's also willing to fight WBA "regular" champion Erislandy Lara and WBO champion Janibek Alimkhanuly.
Golovkin has until February 14 to make a decision regarding a mandatory defense against the IBF's top contender Esquiva Falcao. If Golovkin chooses to vacate, then Zerafa and Falcao could potentially collide for the vacant belt.
“And Golovkin is the fight I want,” Zerafa stressed to Fox Sports. “I know he thinks I’m the easiest fight out there for him. And that’s fine.
“But I’m also his biggest payday. His three options right now are to fight me, Lara or Falcao. And of those, I represent the most money. With all the backing I’ve got to bring that fight to Australia, I know he’s definitely interested. And Zerafa v Triple G ... it even has a nice ring to it. But regardless, I’m fighting for a world title next.”
Golovkin saw action in September of last year. He moved up to super middleweight but was outboxed over twelve rounds by Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez.
Zerafa (30-4) has picked up four wins in a row.
He was recently elevated to number 1 contender slot under the WBA, which puts him in line for a shot at Golovkin's super title and Lara's 'regular' strap. Zerafa is also ranked at in the second slot under the IBF.
Back in November, Zerafa told Fox Sports that Golovkin had already “verbally agreed” to fight him in Australia.
Golovkin's handlers never made comment on the claim.
“I don’t get involved in the (contract discussions) but I know my name has come up within his camp. And quite a few times," Zerafa said.
“After Golovkin’s last fight too, he said he was happy to come fight in Australia. And I know he sees me as his easiest option. But I’m ready. Four times in my career, I’ve fallen short. But I was a boy back then. Now, I’m a man. In my prime. It’s my time.”