'Unacceptable': NSW police open probe as Zerafa's brother banned for life from No Limit events
Updated . First published
Michael Zerafa's brother has been banned from all future No Limit events as NSW police investigate the incident that led to a rival trainer being punched in the ring on Wednesday night.
Zerafa defeated Tommy Browne via TKO, while Nikita Tszyu kept his unbeaten record in tact with a stoppage win over Koen Mazoudier, but the clash at the end of Zerafa's fight has now officially caught the attention of police.
In addition to the police probe, promoters No Limit released a statement on Thursday, confirming the fighter's brother, Jason-Manuel Zerafa, will no longer be welcome at future bouts.
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"No Limit Boxing confirmed today it had issued a life ban to the brother of Michael Zerafa following last night's unacceptable incident in Sydney," the statement via email read.
"He will be barred from attending all No Limit Boxing fight nights in future.
"The Combat Sports Authority of NSW have been informed of the decision ahead of any additional disciplinary action they may elect to proceed with."
No Limit Boxing CEO George Rose said: "What happened last night is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated at any of our fight nights."
The NSW Combat Sports Authority has yet to weigh in over the incident. However, NSW police confirmed they're looking into the punch.
Michael Zerafa took aim at Tommy Mercuri after their post-fight stoush. No Limit Boxing
"About 10pm yesterday (Wednesday 28 August 2024), police were patrolling a sporting event at a convention centre on Darling Drive, Sydney, when a 26-year-old man assaulted a 60-year-old man during the event," NSW Police said in a statement.
"Officers intervened and went to the assistance of the older man, who suffered minor injuries which did not require treatment.
"Detectives are conducting further enquiries."
Zerafa's brother, Jason-Manuel Zerafa, took to Instagram to defend his actions.
"Cannot play the victim after attempting to attack a fighter," Jason-Manuel Zerafa posted.
"Tommy Browne's corner attempting to attack @michael_zerafa after Michael got the win, I did what ANY brother would've done."
Michael Zerafa's brother stormed the ring and threw a punch at opposing trainer Tommy Mercuri after Tommy Browne withdrew injured. Main Event
Zerafa defended his brother storming the ring, telling Wide World of Sports a lack of security and a "misunderstanding" led to the issue.
Browne's trainer Tommy Mercuri called for the Zerafas to be banned but the boxer hit back on social media.
"So everyone turning on my bro, but no one saying nothing about his trainer taking swings at me," Michael posted.
"Trainer tries to attack me and my bro is the bad guy... come on guys!
"Team Browne started it, Team Zerafa ended it."
Officials were not impressed by the ugly encounter at Sydney's ICC.
"This is not good stuff," commentator Ben Damon told the Main Event coverage.
"The fight didn't get going but now it's getting ugly regardless."
Zerafa's brother was subsequently escorted out of Sydney's International Convention Centre.
The post-fight interviews went ahead as scheduled with Zerafa booed by the crowd.
Speaking afterwards, promoter Matt Rose said the behaviour of Zerafa's brother was unacceptable.
Michael Zerafa's brother whacks Tommy Mercuri in the ring. No Limit Boxing
"We don't accept the sort of behaviour at all and unfortunately people get caught in situations that they shouldn't, but he's gone now," he said.
Making matters worse, Zerafa went after Browne's team again outside their rooms.
"This is unbelievable," journalist Peter Badel said on Main Event.
"This is quite bizarre.
"I hope this doesn't escalate, this is not what we need."
Watching a replay of the incident in the ring, former two-time welterweight champion Shawn Porter questioned whether Zerafa should welcome his brother back as a cornerman.
Tensions simmered between Michael Zerafa and rival cornerman Tommy Mercuri. Main Event
"I want to see that go to court. That's just unacceptable. And Michael knows that if his brother has the ability to do that, he shouldn't be in my corner," he said,
"That might be the first time he's come to the ring with his brother — that should be his last time. That's unacceptable."
Badel added: "That's almost life ban stuff.
"It's a shame but I don't think Zerafa's cornerman or brother, whoever it is, should be involved in boxing again. That was disgraceful," he said.
Having won his bout via TKO, Zerafa took another step towards setting up a showdown with Tszyu, who also overcame Koen Mazoudier late in the ninth round on Wednesday night.
"Nikita, I'm coming," Zerafa declared after the fight.
"My eyes are solid on this, I want the Tszyu boys."
