SYDNEY — The brother of a boxer who had just won a bout punched the opponent’s trainer in the ring in a chaotic post-fight melee at Sydney Arena late Wednesday.
Michael Zerafa received a TKO win when opponent Tommy Browne quit due to a biceps injury after the first round of the catchweight bout.
Zerafa wasn’t happy with his rival retiring in the televised fight, and yelled, “You quit,” when Browne remained on his stool after the second round was set to start.
That triggered a heated argument between Zerafa and Browne’s trainer, Tommy Mercuri.
Then Zerafa’s brother and cornerman, Jason-Manuel Zerafa, entered the ring, moved around behind an official and threw a punch at the side of Mercuri’s head before retreating back behind the boxer.
Zerafa’s brother was escorted from the arena. Australian Associated Press later reported he was charged by police with assault.
“About 10 p.m. (Wednesday) police were patrolling a sporting event … when a 26-year-old man assaulted a 60-year-old man during the event,” New South Wales state 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.”
The fight promoters issued a life ban to Jason-Manuel Zerafa.
“He will be barred from attending all No Limit Boxing events in future,” the promoters said in a statement. They added the provincial Combat Sports Authority of New South Wales “have been informed of the decision ahead of any additional disciplinary action they may elect to proceed with.”
Retired American boxer Shawn Porter, a two-time former world welterweight champion who was providing television commentary of the fight, said the post-bout altercation in the ring was “unacceptable.”
“If Michael knows his brother has the ability to do that … he shouldn’t be in his corner,” Porter said.
Main Event commentator and boxing analyst Peter Badel said Zerafa’s brother shouldn’t be allowed to attend future events.
“I don’t think his brother should be involved in boxing again,” Badel said. “That was disgraceful.”
In the pre-fight week, Browne accused Zerafa of quitting in his previous bout, a second-round knockout loss to WBA middleweight world champion ErIslandy Lara in March.
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AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports
In the world of professional boxing, tensions can run high both inside and outside of the ring. This was evident recently when the brother of a prominent boxer got involved in a post-fight melee by throwing a punch at a rival trainer.
The incident occurred after a highly anticipated match between two fierce rivals. The fight itself was intense and closely contested, with both fighters giving it their all in the ring. However, things took a turn for the worse once the final bell rang and the decision was announced.
As the victorious fighter celebrated his hard-earned victory, chaos erupted in the arena. The defeated fighter’s brother, who had been in his corner throughout the match, suddenly lunged at the rival trainer and threw a punch in his direction. The trainer managed to dodge the blow, but the situation quickly escalated as security rushed in to break up the altercation.
The incident was captured on camera and quickly went viral on social media, sparking outrage and condemnation from fans and officials alike. Many were shocked by the brazen display of aggression and violence, especially considering the fact that it took place in a professional sporting event.
In the aftermath of the incident, both fighters issued statements denouncing the actions of their respective entourage members. The victorious fighter expressed regret over the incident and apologized to the rival trainer for his brother’s actions. The defeated fighter also condemned his brother’s behavior and vowed to take disciplinary action against him.
The boxing community was left reeling from the fallout of the post-fight melee, with many calling for stricter regulations and security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The incident served as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of professional sports and the importance of maintaining composure and sportsmanship at all times.
As investigations into the incident continue, it remains to be seen what consequences will befall the brother of the boxer who threw the punch. In the meantime, the boxing world is left to reflect on the ugly side of competition and strive for a more respectful and dignified approach to the sport.
