- Australian fighters have been touted for years for the showdown.
- It would be the biggest domestic fight since Mundine v Green
- Renewed hope that it could happen in 2025
Michael Zerafa has revealed that talks are underway for a long-awaited domestic boxing showdown with Tim Tszyu.
However, Zerafa claims that Tszyu requested a warm-up fight before committing to their fight.
Tszyu, who is coming off consecutive losses, including a loss to Russian champion Bakhram Murtazaliev in October, has not confirmed his participation in the fight.
Earlier this week he said: “Don’t mention that name” when asked about Zerafa.
However, the anticipated showdown, which could occur in 2025, has already generated significant interest among boxing fans.
Zerafa, known as ‘Pretty Boy’, revealed the details during a No Limit Boxing event in Sydney.
Michael “Pretty Boy” Zerafa claims domestic feud with Tim Tszyu is still in play
Zerafa said Tszyu wanted a warm-up fight in Australia to get his groove back.
‘Tim Tszyu wants a warm-up fight. “The words that have been conveyed to me are that he wants to go back to basics, to regain his confidence after two defeats,” he said.
Zerafa insists he is ready for the fight now, adding: “Personally, I would have that fight tonight.”
The rivalry between Tszyu and Zerafa goes back several years.
A planned fight for 2021 was canceled when Zerafa pulled out just a week before the fight, sparking animosity between the two sides.
Despite Tszyu’s reluctance to participate, Zerafa expressed confidence that the fight will take place.
“Talks are ongoing and I believe this fight will take place in 2025,” he said.
Tszyu’s camp is reportedly negotiating with US-based promoters for an international opponent in the first quarter of 2025.
Zerafa criticized Tszyu’s hesitation, stating: “Tim is scared.”
Tszyu has lost two fights in a row, including to Russian Bakhram Murtazaliev.
“He knows that if it’s three losses in a row, it’s all over for him.”
Zerafa also hinted at the possibility of both fighters appearing on the same card in March or April, albeit against different opponents.
A showdown between Zerafa and Tszyu is expected to be a major event, with Zerafa shopping Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium as a potential venue.
“This has to be held in a stadium,” he said. “There aren’t many rivalries anymore, but this is definitely one.”
Zerafa, who recently signed a two-year deal with No Limit Boxing, turned down a contract offer from British promoter Eddie Hearn to pursue the fight against Tszyu.
He highlighted the importance of this rivalry and stated: “Boxing needs this because there is no love in the glove.” I will fight him and raise my hand.
To add to the drama, popular wrestler Brock Jarvis called out Tszyu’s younger brother, Nikita, for a fight following his recent victory over Adrian Rodriguez.
‘I love Nikita Tszyu. That’s the fight I’m looking for,” Jarvis said.