Boxer's brother hits opposing trainer in chaotic post-fight scuffle

SYDNEY– The brother of a boxer who had just won a fight punched his opponent's trainer in the ring in a chaotic post-fight brawl at Sydney Arena late Wednesday.

Michael Zerafa earned a TKO victory when his opponent Tommy Browne retired after the first round of the catchweight bout due to a bicep injury.

Zerafa was not happy with his rival's surrender in the televised fight, shouting, “You quit,” as Browne remained seated on his stool after the start of the second round.

This sparked a heated argument between Zerafa and Browne's trainer Tommy Mercuri.

Then Zerafa's brother and coach, Jason-Manuel Zerafa, entered the ring, walked behind an official and punched Mercuri on the side of the head before stepping back behind the boxer.

Zerafa's brother was escorted out of the arena. The Australian Associated Press later reported that police had charged him with assault.

“At around 10pm (Wednesday), police were patrolling a sporting event… when a 26-year-old man assaulted a 60-year-old man during the event,” New South Wales State Police said in a statement. “Officers responded and rushed to the aid of the elderly man, who sustained minor injuries that did not require treatment.”

The organizers of the fight have imposed a lifetime ban on Jason-Manuel Zerafa.

“He will be banned from all No Limit Boxing events going forward,” the organizers said in a statement. They added that the Combat Sports Authority of New South Wales “has been informed of the decision before it can take any further disciplinary action.”

Former American boxer Shawn Porter, a two-time welterweight champion who commented on the fight on television, said the altercation in the ring after the fight was “unacceptable”.

“If Michael knows his brother is capable of doing this, … he shouldn't be on his side,” Porter said.

Main event commentator and boxing analyst Peter Badel said Zerafa's brother would not be allowed to take part in future events.

“I don't think his brother should go back to boxing,” said Badel. “It was a disgrace.”

In the week leading up to the fight, Browne accused Zerafa of giving up in his last fight, a second-round knockout loss to WBA middleweight champion ErIslandy Lara in March.

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