Aussie rival Michael Zerafa plots to end Tim Tszyu’s boxing career in long-awaited grudge match
In the wake of his loss, fellow Aussie Michael Zerafa has called Tszyu out for a fight that would be four years in the making.
Provided he won against the Russian on Sunday, Tszyu had plans for a world title defence on home soil in December.
It would have opened up opportunities against the likes of Terence Crawford, Errol Spence or Jermell Charlo.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Instead, Tszyu’s career is on the brink after two consecutive losses, and will need to find a domestic opponent to get it back on track.
That means four years after they were supposed to meet, Zerafa and Tszyu could be set for the grudge match that never happened.
A week before their fight in 2021, Zerafa pulled out of the bout because of travel issues with his team during the pandemic.
Now he’s ready and says a matchup with Tszyu would be bigger than that of Anthony Mundine and Danny Green in years gone by.
“We have unfinished business — it’s time to take care of it,” Zerafa said after Tszyu was beaten on Sunday.
“The tables have turned.
“He’s got no belts. I’ve got no belts, but this is the fight Australian fans want to see.
“It would be Australia’s biggest fight since Mundine-Green and possibly bigger.
“Tszyu is coming off two losses and it’s career-damaging what’s just happened to him.
“If he was to lose a third fight in a row, it would be the end of his career — and I’m the guy to do it.”
Mundine famously beat Green in a 2006 fight that attracted more than 200,000 pay-per-view fans, which remains an Australian record.
Zerafa had been set to fight Nikita Tszyu if Tim lost, but he now wants a piece of Tim.
“I’ve signed a three-fight deal with No Limit and I was told if Tim loses, then I am his next fight,” Zerafa said.
“He’s got no credentials now. I should be the A-side. I’m coming off a win on a No Limit show, while he is coming off a loss, so negotiations can’t go all one way.
“The talk about me running from Tszyu is rubbish.
“I’ve fought much better fighters than him, I got in the ring with Lara, so if the dollars are right it makes sense.
“Once Tszyu is cleared to fight again, I will be waiting for him.”
Originally published on 7NEWS Sport
