What is widely acknowledged to be his most incredible win, though, came against then World Boxing Organisation Welterweight Champion, Jeff Horn in 2019.

“I entered the ring labelled as the underdog. I unleashed a barrage of blows, overwhelming Horn and stopping him in the ninth round.”

“I left the boxing world in awe and solidified my position as a true force to be reckoned with.”

“Over the years, I’ve held the Victorian super-welterweight and Commonwealth super-welterweight titles. Nowadays, I am a household name and have earned the reputation of being a fearless and exciting orthodox fighter, one backed by strong family values of integrity, honesty, respect for others and of course, the importance of putting in a hard day’s work.”

Despite his lofty achievements, and those which have yet to come, Zerafa started where every fighter does, at the bottom.

“I was born and raised in Melbourne by my Maltese migrant parents, and my story is one of hard knocks, big risks, and global success.”

“From a young age I developed a passion for boxing and started out training in a makeshift gym. I had nothing but a bag and four chairs to outline a ring, but I dedicated myself to honing my craft.”

Zerafa’s craft is one which sends other boxers crashing to the canvas.

“At eighteen I was in the ring for my first professional bout against Peter Makrypodis.”

“It took only 87 seconds to chalk up my debut win, with a round one KO. I never looked back.”

Still, every fight presents new challenges, and past wins can’t be assumed as guarantees of future success. We asked Zerafa how he’s feeling as he heads into training camp for August’s world title bout.

“I always knew it was inevitable. In Australia, they refer to my story as similar to Saint Paul’s. I’ve had a lot of adversity I’ve had to overcome and the analogy is very similar. I have been known as a villain in the sport but now slowly everyone’s opinions have started to change. I have dreamed of this moment for 23 years – and I have worked really hard for it.”

“I fight not just for myself, but for my family and my country. Although we live in Australia, my blood bleeds red and white and I want to do this for my Maltese heritage and for all the Maltese people.”

Although his parents hailing from Gozo, Zerafa hasn’t actually been to Malta yet. He plans for that to change.

“I have yet to be back to Malta, but plan on making it the first place I visit with my belt when I win the world title.”

“It’ll mean a lot more to me. I want to make a change and move to Malta, all I need is the Maltese backing.”

Zerafa is confident about the upcoming bout, but still wants all the support he can get as he ramps up to fight-night.

“Whilst our country is small on the map, I want our statements to be louder than anywhere else. We may be overlooked, but we are born and bred differently.”

“I want the whole of Malta to back me as I go to war.”

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