Michael Zerafa was still trying to make sense of the death of boxer and close friend Dwight Ritchie two days later.
The junior middleweight from Australia was sparring with Ritchie in a Melbourne gym on Saturday when, according to reports, Ritchie collapsed. Paramedics rushed to the seen but couldn’t save him. He was pronounced dead in the ring
According to 7news.com.au, Zerafa said Ritchie “suddenly stopped” in the sixth round of sparring. He described what happened this way:
“He rocked up, fit as ever, we were both in preparation for our fights. He just took a few backward steps and just held his chest and just collapsed. Everyone ran into the ring but unfortunately it wasn’t enough.”
The final punch landed on Ritchie’s left side but, Zerafa said, was “nothing out of the ordinary. No shots landed that were really different. Just something happened.”
Zerafa issued a statement through the Australian website Exclusive Insight. It reads:
“There are simply no words to describe how I am feeling right now. Dwight was one of the most humble people I have ever met. We had known each other since we were teenagers, when we were just starting out in the sport. And for the past 10 years, Dwight and I had been supporting each other inside, and outside of the ring. There had always been a professional and mutual respect between us.
“Yesterday, was an absolute tragedy, and as tough as it is right now for myself, I can only imagine how difficult the past 24 hours has been for Dwight’s family. My heart bleeds for his three children and his beautiful partner. I have spoken to the family, and given my deepest condolences. The boxing community has lost a truly great person, and I have lost a mate. I appreciate all the messages of support that I have been receiving from family, friends, media and the boxing community.
“Dwight’s passing is a further reminder why we can’t take life for granted. Nothing in life is guaranteed. Dwight lived his life with purpose, and those in the boxing community that came to know him, will forever cherish the positive memories we had with him. He taught me so much, not just as a boxer but as a person, and I will always be thankful for the lessons Dwight shared with me about life. Dwight, you will always be remembered. Rest in Peace mate.”
Zerafa (27-3, 16 knockouts) is scheduled to face Jeff Horn in a rematch on December 18. Zerafa stopped Horn in August.
Ritchie’s was the fourth boxing-related death this year. Maxim Dadashev, Patrick Day and Boris Stanchov died as a result of blows they took in fights.