Zerafa’s brother storms ring, punches rival trainer

Michael Zerafa’s eight-round catchweight fight with Tommy Browne came to an abrupt end when Browne failed to answer the bell for the second round after suffering a bicep injury.
But the chaos was only just getting started.
With the reward of a fight with centrepiece Nikita Tszyu on the cards for Zerafa, the 32-year-old became enraged as Browne retired on his stool — pulling out of the fight after the opening three minutes.
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Michael Zerafa’s brother stormed the ring and threw a punch at opposing trainer Tommy Mercuri after Tommy Browne withdrew injured. Main Event
Despite Browne gesturing to his injured arm, Zerafa was unconvinced, crying out, “You quit”.
Zerafa then began scolding Browne’s trainer Tommy Mercuri before the pair came face-to-face. This caused No Limit Boxing’s Rose brothers to intervene.
The situation escalated when Zerafa’s brother suddenly stormed the ring and threw a punch at Mercuri.
“This is not good stuff,” commentator Ben Damon told Fox Sports’ coverage.
“The fight didn’t get going but now it’s getting ugly regardless.”
Zerafa’s brother was subsequently escorted out of Sydney’s International Convention Centre.
Tommy Browne suffered a bicep injury during the first round. Main Event
The post-fight interviews went ahead as scheduled with Zerafa booed by the crowd.
Speaking afterwards, promoter Matt Rose said the behaviour of Zerafa’s brother was unacceptable.
“We don’t accept the sort of behaviour at all and unfortunately people get caught in situations that they shouldn’t, but he’s gone now,” he said.
Making matters worse, Zerafa went after Browne’s team again outside their rooms.
“This is unbelievable,” journalist Peter Badel said on Main Event.
“This is quite bizarre.
“I hope this doesn’t escalate, this is not what we need.”
Watching a replay of the incident in the ring, former two-time welterweight champion Shawn Porter questioned whether Zerafa should welcome his brother back as a cornerman.
Tensions simmered between Michael Zerafa and rival cornerman Tommy Mercuri.  Main Event
“I want to see that go to court. That’s just unacceptable. And Michael knows that if his brother has the ability to do that, he shouldn’t be in my corner,” he said,
“That might be the first time he’s come to the ring with his brother — that should be his last time. That’s unacceptable.”
Badel added: “That’s almost life ban stuff.
“It’s a shame but I don’t think Zerafa’s cornerman or brother, whoever it is, should be involved in boxing again. That was disgraceful,” he said.
Having won his bout via TKO, Zerafa took another step towards setting up a showdown with Tszyu, who also overcame Koen Mazoudier late in the ninth round on Wednesday night.
“Nikita, I’m coming,” Zerafa declared after the fight.
“My eyes are solid on this, I want the Tszyu boys.”