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Michael Zerafa, a middleweight contender, feels he is the "largest payout" for IBF, WBA, and IBO world champion Gennady Golovkin.
Zerafa has wanted to fight Golovkin since last year, but he's also open to fighting WBA "regular" champion Erislandy Lara and WBO champion Janibek Alimkhanuly.
Golovkin has until February 14 to decide whether to fight the IBF's top contender Esquiva Falcao in a mandatory defense. If Golovkin decides to resign, Zerafa and Falcao might fight for the vacant belt.
“And Golovkin is the fight I want,” Zerafa stressed to Fox Sports. “I know he thinks I’m the easiest fight out there for him. And that’s fine.
“But I’m also his biggest payday. His three options right now are to fight me, Lara, or Falcao. And of those, I represent the most money. With all the backing I’ve got to bring that fight to Australia, I know he’s definitely interested. And Zerafa v Triple G ... it even has a nice ring to it. But regardless, I’m fighting for a world title next.”
Golovkin last fought in September of last year. He went up to super middleweight but was outboxed by Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez over twelve rounds.
Whereas, Zerafa (30-4) has won four matches in a row. He was recently promoted to WBA number one contender, putting him in line for a fight at Golovkin's super championship and Lara's'regular' strap. Zerafa is also ranked second by the International Boxing Federation.
Zerafa informed Fox Sports in November that Golovkin has already "verbally agreed" to fight him in Australia. However, Golovkin's representatives never responded to the claim.
“I don’t get involved in the (contract discussions) but I know my name has come up within his camp. And quite a few times," Zerafa said.
“After Golovkin’s last fight too, he said he was happy to come fight in Australia. And I know he sees me as his easiest option. But I’m ready. Four times in my career, I’ve fallen short. But I was a boy back then. Now, I’m a man. In my prime. It’s my time.”