Lethal hit floors Zerafa in crushing Aussie defeat
An American's lethal left land delivered Australia's Michael Zerafa a crushing defeat in Las Vegas on Sunday (AEDT).
Cuba's Erislandy Lara ended the man nicknamed "Pretty Boy" in the second round of their fight in Sin City, beating his rival to retain the WBA middleweight title.
Lara's punch sent Zerafa crashing into the ropes, and although the 32-year-old Victorian managed to return to his feet as the referee counted, his fate was sealed when he stumbled back into the ropes.
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The referee called the fight off, dealing the 40-year-old Cuban victory to the roars, cheers and whistles of the crowd.
"Listen, a guy like Lara, yes, he is ageing, but he is ageing gracefully," said American boxing great Andre Ward on the Main Event coverage.
Michael Zerafa on the canvas. (John Locher/AP)"His IQ allows him to overcome what he lost getting older, but one thing he hasn't lost is accuracy and power, and that's what we saw on display tonight."
Ward added that Lara appeared to be "taking a walk around the block" in the fight.
Lara, also known as "The American Dream", has now won his past three fights via either KO or TKO.
Zerafa's loss ended a 15-fight winning streak stretching back to 2016.
"At least he is conscious after a shot like that," said commentator Mauro Ranallo on the Main Event broadcast.
Zerafa's bout against Lara preceded Australian superstar Tim Tszyu's world title unification fight against American beanstalk Sebastian Fundora.
