BoxRec

Teremoana, Zerafa to headline show August 12 in Australia

Matchroom Boxing is headed back to Australia for a show on August 12 headlined by heavyweight contender Teremoana Teremoana taking on DeAndre Savage at the Star Casino Gold Coast, it was announced on Sunday.

In a parallel move, Matchroom also announced the signing of Michael Zerafa to a promotional deal. Zerafa will also be featured on the card.

The 28-year-old Teremoana (11-0, 11 KOs) represented Australia in the 2024 Olympics and has nine first-round knockouts in his 11 fights, including two this year.

“Teremoana Teremoana is the future of the heavyweight division, and that’s why nobody wants the smoke from him,” Matchroom Boxing head Eddie Hearn said in a statement. “We offered this fight to the current Australian champion and a number of other undefeated heavyweights down under – they all swerved it. Savage stepped up, and Teremoana gladly accepted the challenge.

“Make no mistake, this will be his hardest bout yet. Savage is a dangerous operator, and he really can whack. But I have no doubt whatsoever that Teremoana will show why there are levels to this game and underline why we believe he is a world champion in the making. The Gold Coast can look forward to a proper performance.”

Zerafa (34-5, 22 KOs), a 34-year-old from Melbourne, was previously tied to No Limit Boxing but now aims to help with Matchroom’s plans in Australia. Over the last several months, Zerafa has been linked to a fight against Chris Eubank Jr.

“Pretty Boy” Zerafa last fought in January, when his bout with Nikita Tszyu was ruled a no contest. The fight was stopped in the third round once Zerafa revealed to the ringside physician that he was unable to see after an accidental head clash.

Zerafa entered the fight against Tszyu riding a three-fight winning streak, which followed his second-round knockout loss to WBA middleweight champion Erislandy Lara in March 2024.

Zerafa’s last big win came in August 2019, when he stopped former welterweight titleholder Jeff Horn in nine rounds. Horn avenged the loss, however, by beating Zerafa in an immediate rematch four months later.

A tiny step in the right direction.... but holy shit they need to keep stepping that way and quick... you don't want to be 30 years old and never fought a top 50...

AUSSIE ‘BAD BOY’ MICHAEL ZERAFA MAKES MATCHROOM DEBUT DOWN UNDER AGAINST KNOCKOUT ARTIST ALEJANDRO ORTIZ AS TICKETS FOR BLOCKBUSTER GOLD COAST CARD ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, GO ON SALE

The ‘bad boy’ of Australian boxing is back – and Michael Zerafa is ready to put the Middleweight division on notice when he makes his Matchroom Boxing against dangerous Venezuelan knockout artist Alejandro Ortiz on Wednesday, August 12 – live on Fox Sports, DAZN’s Kayo Sports and DAZN.

Tickets are on sale now at premier.ticketek.com.au as undefeated Heavyweight sensation Teremoana Teremoana steps up to take on American big-hitter DeAndre Savagae in the main event at The Star Gold Coast.

But Zerafa (34-5, 22 KOs), ranked No.4 by the WBO and No.6 with the WBA, is ready to steal the show and remind the world why he is ready to challenge for titles in what promises to be an explosive co-main against one of South America’s most feared punchers.

Zerafa said: “Every opponent deserves respect, and Alejandro has earned his reputation. I’m not taking anything for granted. I’ve had a strong camp, and I’m excited to get back in the ring and do what I do best.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Eddie Hearn, Frank Smith and the Matchroom team for believing in me. I’m determined to make the most of this opportunity. We have a great path to a world title, and it all starts on August 12.”

With 25 knockouts from 26 victories, Ortiz has one of the highest knockout percentages in world boxing today – and the aggressive, come-forward fighter, who possesses devastating power in both hands, is ready to cause a huge upset Down Under, warning his rival: “Michael Zerafa. I’m coming for you!”

Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn is excited for what promises to be a blockbuster card on the Gold Coast as he expects Zerafa to rise to the occasion and remind the world of his talent.

Hearn said: “The bad boy of Australian boxing is back! I know that some people love to hate him. But the reality is that he is going to put bums on seats. And I cannot wait to see him.

“People are going to tune in to watch on Fox Sports and DAZN’s Kayo Sports; whether they tune in to watch him get beat or to support him. It doesn’t really matter.

“Zerafa has got to prove himself a little bit. But he is without doubt one of Australia’s biggest stars, and this is exactly the type of fight we wanted for his Matchroom Boxing debut.

“Alejandro Ortiz is young, dangerous, explosive and he is coming to win. These are the fights fans love, and we’re expecting an absolute war on the Gold Coast.”

Tickets on are sale now at premier.ticketek.com.au – for all the latest news and updates follow @matchroomboxing on social media.

So, Zerafa takes on a fighter with an impressive record but one largely built against South American boxers with losing records (22 of his 26 wins). The only time Ortiz stepped up in competition, he got KO'd in five by Samake, who was fighting a weight class above his usual SWW.

Call me ... unimpressed.