Nikitia Tszyu injured in car accident as decision on Michael Zerafa fight looms

Australian boxer Nikita Tszyu is on the mend after being injured in a car accident over the weekend.

The 27-year-old younger brother of Tim and son of Kostya last fought in August, claiming a ninth-round TKO to extend an unbeaten start to his pro career.

He has been tipped to next meet fellow Aussie Michael Zerafa but the bout is now up in the air.

“Nikita Tszyu was involved in a car accident over the weekend when the vehicle he was travelling in was struck at an intersection,” Tszyu’s promoters No Limit Boxing said in a statement.

“He sustained minor injuries and is now recovering at home with his family.

“A decision regarding any return to ring in 2025 will be made in the coming weeks.”

Tszyu was targeted by Zerafa during a press conference in September.

Zerafa shouted at Tszyu to “sign the contract” as he walked past his would-be rival during an interview.

“I’m training, preparing for the inevitable,” Tszyu said.

“I think we all know what’s coming down the line.

“When it becomes official ... I’ll come out hard.

“I haven’t had any back-and-forth fight build-ups for a while.

“It brings out a different side of me. The occasion, you rise to it.

“You take on the challenge, silence critics, do what is deemed impossible.

“I hope more people think I’m actually going to lose.”

Tszyu was speaking soon after his brother split from their shared staff, including coach Igor Goloubev and manager Glen Jennings as well as their fitness coach, cut-man and medic.

He said he couldn’t understand the decision and would not be following suit, admitting he wasn’t sure how it would impact the siblings’ relationship.

“Little bit surprised, little shocked,” he said, with Tim on the ropes after suffering three losses in four fights.

“It is what it is. He’s on his own path, wants to do this his way and it’s up to him. He knows how to make decisions for himself.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen, honestly. For me, nothing’s changing.

“If anything my relationship with my team is getting even stronger. They’re going to stay until the very last day.”

Jennings, a Newcastle businessman, also managed Kostya.

“Eight years (managing Tim) is a long time and these things happen and you’ve just got to be mature enough to say, ‘OK, go and do what you need to do’,” said Jennings.

“He (Igor) is like everyone ... a little bit ‘wow’, so that’s the end of an era.

“And if this is what Tim needs to get back in the winner’s circle, then he should do it.”

- with AAP