Friday, 31 July 2026 · Philippines
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ZERAFA READY FOR WBO WORLD YOUTH TITLE FIGHT IN MOSCOW

Undefeated Michael ?Pretty Boy? Zerafa is ready for his WBO World Youth title fight in Moscow against unbeaten Russian Arif Magomedov which will be on the undercard of the WBC heavyweight Silver title bout between Alexander Povetkin (27-1, 19 KO?s) and Carlos Takam (30-1-1, 23 KO?s) on October 24 in Moscow.

Well known Australian promoter Peter Maniatis who handles Zerafa told the Manila Standard/Viva Sports they are scheduled to leave Melbourne on Saturday along with trainer Joe Nader.

Zerafa, a tough middleweight with a record 15-0 with 7 knockouts battles Magomedov who is also unbeaten in 12 fights with 8 knockouts to his name.

Maniatis said that Zerafa?s training for the fight where the vacant WBO Asia Pacific middleweight title will also be on the line ?has been spot on.?

He said Zerafa had sparred with such solid opponents as Sam ?King? Soliman who dropped a twelve round unanimous decision to Jermain Taylor for the IBF title on October 8, 2014 early in his preparation for the fight and ended sparring against lightweight Zac Dunn (2-5-1, ) KO?s) and undefeated super middleweight Jake Carr (8-0, 3 KO?s) and ?is ready for the challenge that has been put in front of him.?

The Australian fighter will take a grueling 22 hour flight to Moscow and will have to contend with freezing temperatures but will have six days to settle into the Moscow conditions.

Maniatis said the fight will be ?the biggest challenge Zerafa has faced so far? but his team believes in his ability to lift the title because he belongs at this level.

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