Oh brother, all fired up to punch on in first fight
THE younger brother of three-time national champion Brad Verfurth will make his boxing debut this weekend.
Michael Verfurth, touted by renowned boxing trainer Jim Tsitas as a future star of the sport, will join fellow Geelong power-puncher Chris Marsic in entering the ring for the first time on Sunday.
Michael Verfurth and Marsic will fight on the Victorian Amateur Boxing League event at Doncaster’s Shoppingtown Hotel.
Michael started his career at 15 years of age, following in the footsteps of 21-yearold brother Brad, who debuted when he was 12.
“I think he’s going to be better than his brother,” Tsitas said of Michael.
“He has real aggression in the ring, he’s dedicated and he listens well.
“Brad did all that really good too, but I tend to get a bit more out of Mikey.
“He’s a good kid and he knows he has to live up to his brother’s reputation. Everywhere he goes they know Mikey as Brad’s brother.
“I’ve told him to just concentrate on his own career. I have said to him, ‘it’s your first fight and you will never forget it’.
“They think they’re tough in Melbourne but we’re tough down here in Geelong as well, and hopefully he can take it to the top.
“I’ve been in the sport for 20-odd years and I’ve seen a lot of good and bad fighters come through, and watch out for him.”
Tsitas said Michael, who will fight fellow debutant Dean Hooper of the Fighter’s Factory in Blackburn, packed a real punch.
“He’s only young but he’s not as fiery as Brad,” Tsitas said.
“He’s sharp and aggressive but keeps his cool when he needs to. He goes about it the right way.”
Marsic, 26, will fight against Callum Stewart, who has one bout to his name.