Home Boxing News Jeff Fenech slams Michael Zerafa for win over Danilo Creati, says he...

Jeff Fenech slams Michael Zerafa for win over Danilo Creati, says he expected more

Michael Zerafa vs Danilo Creati. Photo credit: Mark Evans/Getty Images

Jeff Fenech has criticised middleweight Michael ‘Pretty Boy’ Zerafa 31-4 (19) for failing to put away Danilo ‘Dash’ Creati 8-1 (1) in their 10-round bout at the Aware Theatre in Sydney, Australia on Wednesday night.

In a largely lacklustre affair, the 35-year-old Zerafa kept the fight long and boxed at range against the light-hitting Creati, winning the bout by unanimous decision. Judge John Cauchi scored the bout 98-93, judge Charlie Lucas had it 98-92, while judge Brad Vocale turned in a 99-91 card.

Zerafa said afterward: “Creati was tricky and he was awkward. I took the fight on four weeks’ notice and my team is in America but full credit to Team Ellis.”

WBA number one contender Zerafa has recently been talking up a fight against WBA and IBF 160-pound champion Gennadiy Golovkin 42-2-1 (37) in the new year.

But former three-division world champion and International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Fenech says Zerafa’s performance against Creati was subpar and will do him no favours in his hope of landing the Golovkin fight.

“I know it’s important to win but isn’t it important to win impressively, especially with something on the horizon,” Fenech said to Fox Sports. “Don’t you want to show the world I’m ready for this? This is definitely not the statement I was looking for from Michael Zerafa.

“He’s not doing much to show people there’s something terrific about him. 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.”

Rugby league rivals Paul Gallen 15-2-1 (8) and Justin Hodges 5-3 (2) went at it for the second time in just over two months.

Gallen, who captained New South Wales in State of Origin, defeated Hodges, who played for Queensland, by scores of 60-54, 60-54 and 59-55. The fight was contested over six two-and-a-half minute rounds.

In his post-fight interview, Gallen confirmed he was hanging up the gloves.

“That was good. I had to do what I had to do. I didn’t take any risks, I just used my left hand as much as I could do. Not many people get to go out on a victory but luckily I got to do it tonight. He broke my heart a couple of times [on the field] so it is good to get one back. He’s a warrior,” said Gallen, who played his entire rugby league career for the Cronulla Sharks.

“I’m just glad it’s over. I’ve had enough, 41 turning 42. I can just feel it in sparring and training, I’m just slowing down. With all respect to Hodgo, 12 months ago I probably would have won a bit more convincingly. But everything slows down at some stage and I think it’s hit me and it’s time to pull the pin.”

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