Tune-Up Awaits Former Champ Peter Quillin
Peter Quillin will be returning to the ring on September 12th, serving as the final appetizer on the Stevenson-Karpency card. Not that it looks particularly ‘appetizing’. Quillin (31-0-1, 22 KO), who fought to a Draw against Ireland’s Andy Lee in April, will be facing off against unknown challenger Michael Zerafa (17-1, 9 KO).
“I’m ready and excited to return to the ring on NBC on September 12,” said Quillin. “I’m already deep into training camp and preparing to be in the best shape of my career. I know my opponent is dangerous and he’s coming to make a name for himself. I’m at the top of my game and I plan to stay there.”
Who is Zerafa, then? That’s a good question. We won’t pretend to know much about the Australian, but you could – perhaps – describe him as a prospect. No notable names, pretty much unheard of outside of his homeland – you know the type. Right now, the fighter seems like an easy target for a former champ (who is technically still undefeated) like Peter Quillin.
But the show must go on. And it will.
Headliner Stevenson-Karpency, and now Quillin-Zerafa, are from impressive match-ups. But, there is a redeemable fight on the NBC broadcasted card. Sort of. And it could well come in the form of Bundrage-Charlo. Cornelius Bundrage (34-5, 19 KO) won’t be expected to win, but the 40-year-old IBF champ should dish up some testing moments for the up-and-coming Jermall Charlo (21-0, 16 KO).
This is a classic experience versus prospect clash that should at the least be ‘lively’.
Murray Back in September
Martin Murray may have suffered defeat following a meeting with Gennady Golovkin in February, but it hasn’t stopped the Brit fighting on. Murray (31-2-1, 14 KO), who now fights at 168 pounds, has already made three successful outings in the ring.
The 32-year-old, who hails from St Helens, will be back in action on September 5th in Leeds, Yorkshire. The opponent is yet to be announced, but according to promoter Eddie Hearn, head of Matchroom Boxing, his fighter will be facing a sterner test.
“With Gavin traveling to Texas, with his brother Jamie defending his WBA crown on September 6th, I wanted to add a major addition to the September 5th card,” Hearn said. “Martin has already boxed twice on Sky Sports in the last seven weeks but this time he will step up the opposition in a title fight as he gears up for another shot at a world title – at super middleweight.”
Murray’s September bout will be broadcast on Sky Sports.
What are your thoughts on Peter Quillin’s return and Martin Murray’s journey toward another shot at capturing world honors? And is campaigning north of Middleweight an easier avenue for Murray to find one?
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