Uproar as Michael Zerafa defeats Danilo Creati in 'unacceptable' fight
Michael Zerafa defeated Danilo Creati by unanimous decision in his return to the ring at the International Convention Centre in Sydney — but the fight just about had people snoring.
Jeff Fenech was among the many left appalled at the dreariness of the fight, scored by the judges 98-93, 99-91, 98-92.
"He's not doing much to show people there's something terrific about him," Fenech said of Creati on the Main Event broadcast.
AS IT HAPPENED: Michael Zerafa vs Danilo Creati
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Michael Zerafa (right) defeated Danilo Creati in a fight that lacked fireworks. Mark Evans/Getty Images
"He can fight, too! I've seen him on occasion and go, 'Wow, this kid's going to be special', and he goes from that high level to this again ... which for me is unacceptable.
"People have paid to watch this fight ... you've two guys who aren't doing much at all. Sorry for being honest."
Zerafa had made it clear during the build-up to the fight that he wasn't doing any study on Creati — comments which stood in stark contrast to those of his rival, who said he was poring over Zerafa footage intensely.
Zerafa admitted he "overlooked" Creati and attributed his approach to a mere four-week tune-up.
"It was a pretty shitty performance on my end," Zerafa told Main Event.
"He's very awkward and tough. I definitely overlooked him. He's tougher than he looks.
"I took this fight on four weeks' notice. I needed the rounds.
"He's one tough dude. I just thought my ability ... I've been all around the world, but he's just awkward.
"He's tricky. He's awkward and long, but we got the 'W'. That's what we came here to do.
"No excuses ... he was just a lot tougher than I thought."
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