Maltese-Australian middleweight boxer Michael Zerafa shocked the world of boxing after an upset win against former world champion Jeff Horn on Saturday night.

A crowd of 45000 at Bendigo Stadium in Victoria witnessed one of the most exciting Australian boxing bouts of recent years after Michael Zerafa took the former world champion through nine punishing rounds, sending a bloodied Horn crashing to the floor and unable to continue.

‘”I said Jeff Horn will fall and it’s not a shock to me, I called it eight weeks ago. I said Jeff Horn will fall,” the 27-year-old Maltese-Australian said in a post-fight press conference.

”But I just knew that having one fight could change my family’s life and make a change in the world.”

Zerafa’s victory has opened new doors for him, including a shot at the world title against the middleweight champion, Ryota Murata.

”I could be a world champion. I have been saying that since I was a little kid, seven or eight years old.”

Zerafa, whose father is Maltese, grew up in the outer northern suburbs of Melbourne. His victory last weekend marked a milestone in the young man’s career and has opened doors to bigger fights, purses and a shot at the world title.

But before rushing into things, Zerafa is looking to take some downtime and has alluded to coming to Malta or Greece for a holiday… “somewhere where there is heat.”

No official bout between Zerafa and Murata has been confirmed but after last night’s victory, the Maltese-Australian will undoubtedly be in conversation as a potential contender for the world title.

Tag someone you’d love to knock about in the ring

READ NEXT: On A Mission Of Love: British Man To Swim English Channel For Maltese Charity