Australian heavyweight Teremoana Teremoana faces his most dangerous fight yet when he headlines an action-packed card – including a brand new Matchroom Boxing signing, Michael Zerafa – on the Gold Coast on Wednesday, August 12th, live on Fox Sports and DAZN’s Kayo Sports (plus, DAZN for the rest of the world). A 2024 Olympian, Teremoana is undefeated since resuming his professional career in December 2024 (11-0, 11 KOs) with seven successive stoppages to his name. But the Brisbane-based fighter is now preparing for his toughest test to date when he takes on American knockout artist DeAndre Savage in a heavy-hitting main event at Star Casino Gold Coast. Savage, age 35, has tasted defeat only once in his career, losing on points a year ago against US rival Brandon Moore, and has won all 11 of his other contests by knockout.
And Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn believes Savage is the perfect opponent for Teremoana to demonstrate why he believes the 28-year-old Australian will go all the way to the top. Hearn said: “Teremoana Teremoana is the future of the heavyweight division. And that’s why nobody wants the smoke with him. We offered this fight to the current Australian champion and a number of other undefeated heavyweights down under. They all swerved it. Savage stepped up and Teremoana gladly accepted the challenge. Make no mistake, this will be his hardest bout yet. Savage is a dangerous operator and he really can whack. But I have no doubt whatsoever that Teremoana will show why there are levels to this game and underline why we believe he is a World Champion in the making. The Gold Coast can look forward to a proper performance.”
Teremoana said: “From the very beginning, the goal has always been the same, to become the heavyweight world champion. This main event is a huge milestone, but it’s only another step on the path to that dream, God willing. To have my first professional main event here on the Gold Coast means everything. I get to do it in front of my family, my friends, and the people who have believed in me and supported me from day one. I give all praise and glory to God for every opportunity He’s placed before me. I want to thank everyone who has been part of this journey, those who’ve been there since the beginning and those who’ve joined along the way. Whether you’ve watched me compete internationally as an amateur, represent our countries at the Olympics, followed my 11 professional fights, or simply supported me from the sidelines, I wouldn’t be here without you. To everyone I’ve crossed paths with throughout my life, from rugby league, primary school, high school, TAFE, my plumbing days, I’d love to see you there. Your support has meant more than you know. I’m incredibly proud to represent both Australia and the Cook Islands every time I step into the ring. Come and support one of your own, a homegrown future heavyweight champion of the world, God willing. This journey is only just getting started.”
‘Pretty Boy’ Michael Zerafa, fresh from putting pen to paper on a new multi-fight deal with Matchroom Boxing, looks forward to a high-stakes co-main event clash with an opponent to be determined. The former world Title challenger from Melbourne (34-5, 22 KOs), returns to the ring for the first time since his no contest with Nikita Tszyu, when an accidental head collision forced the January fight off after three rounds.
The 34-year-old, who has been in with the likes of Erislandy Lara, Jeff Horn and Kell Brook, is determined to challenge for titles – and a big win on August 12 will put him in the mix for a big fight on a pay-per-view card later this year.
Another exciting Aussie fighter joins the Gold Coast undercard for August 12th as Brisbane super middleweight Jack Bowen (13-1, 10 KOs) looks to his march towards a title opportunity.
Australia’s new #1 flyweight will be determined too in an exciting 50-50 decider between Jasmine Parr (8-2, 3 KOs) and Jemma Peart (9-1, 3 KOs). And fans Down Under can look forward to seeing exciting flyweight Lekesha Woodbridge (4-0, 3 KOs) of Toowoombain against Thailand’s experienced Sothita Sitthical (13-5, 4 KOs).
Eddie Hearn added: “Our new broadcast partnership with Fox and DAZN’s Kayo Sports continues to flourish with another cracking card, stacked with some of the most talented fighters on the Australian scene who are ready to show the world what they are about. We are delighted to sign Michael Zerafa, who is no stranger to fight fans. He’ll be out to make a statement on August 12 and book a future, massive fight on a big pay-per-view card Down Under.”
