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Michael Zerafa's hopes were dashed by Erislandy Lara in a dramatic bout that ended in a knockout victory for the Cuban champion.
Zerafa, initially focused on defense, found himself unexpectedly on the canvas after a devastating combination from Lara. Despite his efforts to regain composure, Zerafa struggled to stand, prompting the referee to call an end to the fight.
Lara, known for his strategic prowess, patiently waited for the right moment to strike. His precise punches, including a short right hook followed by a powerful left hand, sealed the victory and left Zerafa reeling.
The fight, which ended in the second round with a stoppage at 2:59, showcased Lara's skill and dominance in the ring. Despite a quiet start, Lara's controlled aggression proved too much for Zerafa, who fought valiantly but ultimately fell short.
With this victory, Lara's record now stands at an impressive 30-3-3 (18 KOs), solidifying his status as a formidable middleweight champion. Meanwhile, Zerafa, fighting out of Melbourne, Australia, now holds a record of 31-5 (19 KOs), reflecting the challenges he faced against a seasoned opponent like Lara.