AUSSIE ‘BAD BOY’ MICHAEL ZERAFA MAKES MATCHROOM DEBUT DOWN UNDER AGAINST KNOCKOUT ARTIST ALEJANDRO ORTIZ AS TICKETS FOR BLOCKBUSTER GOLD COAST CARD ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, GO ON SALE

The ‘bad boy’ of Australian boxing is back – and Michael Zerafa is ready to put the Middleweight division on notice when he makes his Matchroom Boxing against dangerous Venezuelan knockout artist Alejandro Ortiz on Wednesday, August 12 – live on Fox Sports, DAZN’s Kayo Sports and DAZN.

Tickets are on sale now at premier.ticketek.com.au as undefeated Heavyweight sensation Teremoana Teremoana steps up to take on American big-hitter DeAndre Savagae in the main event at The Star Gold Coast.

But Zerafa (34-5, 22 KOs), ranked No.4 by the WBO and No.6 with the WBA, is ready to steal the show and remind the world why he is ready to challenge for titles in what promises to be an explosive co-main against one of South America’s most feared punchers.

Zerafa said: “Every opponent deserves respect, and Alejandro has earned his reputation. I’m not taking anything for granted. I’ve had a strong camp, and I’m excited to get back in the ring and do what I do best.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Eddie Hearn, Frank Smith and the Matchroom team for believing in me. I’m determined to make the most of this opportunity. We have a great path to a world title, and it all starts on August 12.”

With 25 knockouts from 26 victories, Ortiz has one of the highest knockout percentages in world boxing today – and the aggressive, come-forward fighter, who possesses devastating power in both hands, is ready to cause a huge upset Down Under, warning his rival: “Michael Zerafa. I’m coming for you!”

Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn is excited for what promises to be a blockbuster card on the Gold Coast as he expects Zerafa to rise to the occasion and remind the world of his talent.

Hearn said: “The bad boy of Australian boxing is back! I know that some people love to hate him. But the reality is that he is going to put bums on seats. And I cannot wait to see him.

“People are going to tune in to watch on Fox Sports and DAZN’s Kayo Sports; whether they tune in to watch him get beat or to support him. It doesn’t really matter.

“Zerafa has got to prove himself a little bit. But he is without doubt one of Australia’s biggest stars, and this is exactly the type of fight we wanted for his Matchroom Boxing debut.

“Alejandro Ortiz is young, dangerous, explosive and he is coming to win. These are the fights fans love, and we’re expecting an absolute war on the Gold Coast.”

Tickets on are sale now at premier.ticketek.com.au – for all the latest news and updates follow @matchroomboxing on social media.