Kell Brook vs Michael Zerafa
Former IBF welterweight champion Kell Brook (37-2, 26KOs), in his second fight at Jr. Middleweight, will face WBA Oceania Super Welterweight champion Michael Zerafa (25-2, 14KOs).
Kell Brook
Age: 32
Fighting out of: The United Kingdom
This isn’t the fight the former champion wanted, but he can’t overlook the challenger. News of Amir Khan possibly fighting WBO welterweight champion Terence Crawford could be a major distraction.
Keys to victory
Brook holds the height and reach disadvantage and is the more experienced fighter. He will need to use a lot of feints, combination punching, inside fighting, and superior footwork.
Flaws:
Fights too upright and keeps his hands low during exchanges . He also stays on the center line while attacking. This leaves him open for counters.
Brook is a more powerful puncher and the more athletic between the two combatants. Although competing at welterweight most of his career, the knockout in his first fight at the new division proves the pop is still there.
Michael Zerafa
Age: 26
Fighting out of: Australia
This is a huge opportunity for the young challenger. Gaining a title fight a victory over someone of this caliber would definitely set big things in motion.
Keys to victory:
Being the taller man with a 2.5 inch reach advantage, he should use a consistent jab, improved footwork, decent body punching, and throw combinations.
Flaws:
Zerafa goes straight back and sometimes throws the right to wide. Also, he leans too far forward when throwing the jab.
He has made major improvements since losing to Peter Quillin back in 2015 and is a natural super welterweight. As the better boxer, he will need to maintain distance.
Outcome
This fight can go either way. Brook has not shown enough at junior welterweight and Zerafa has made major improvements since his loss to Peter Quillin. However, based on championship level experience, the safe bet is to go with Kell Brook in his hometown.
By: Garrisson Bland
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