Boxers Nikita Tszyu and Michael Zerafa were scheduled to compete in an anticipated all-Australian super-welterweight bout at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. The fight carried significant implications for both fighters' world title aspirations. The event also featured former NRL player Nelson Asofa-Solomona making his professional boxing debut. Leading up to the main event, the fighters engaged in verbal exchanges and physical interactions, with a historical controversy involving Zerafa and Tszyu's older brother, Tim Tszyu, resurfacing.
The Main Event: Nikita Tszyu vs. Michael Zerafa
The bout pitted 27-year-old Nikita Tszyu, who holds an undefeated professional record of 11 wins with 9 knockouts, against 33-year-old Michael Zerafa, who has a record of 34 wins, 5 losses, and 22 knockouts. George Rose, head of No Limit, suggested Tszyu had a realistic chance to contend for a world title within the year, viewing the fight as a major test due to Zerafa's experience. Zerafa, who previously competed for a WBA world title, stated that a victory against Tszyu was crucial for his renewed pursuit of a world championship, intending for his next fight to be for a world title. Tszyu maintained focus on the immediate fight. Betting markets saw Tszyu favored at $1.76, while Zerafa was at $2.20.
Historical Context and Pre-Fight Interactions
A long-standing dispute between Zerafa and the Tszyu family stemmed from Zerafa's withdrawal from a fight against Nikita's older brother, Tim Tszyu, in 2021. Zerafa initially cited COVID-19 related travel issues for his withdrawal. In 2022, Zerafa's former trainer, Sam Labruna, alleged to News Corp that Zerafa had requested to be deliberately cut during fight week to avoid the fight, stating, "Zerafa wanted us to cut his eyes in the gym and say it happened in sparring."
During a recent face-off in Sydney, Nikita Tszyu reportedly told Zerafa, "Don’t go asking your coach to cut you again," a statement he later confirmed making. Zerafa has consistently denied Labruna's claims, calling them "absolute rubbish" and questioning their credibility. He stated he has never shied away from a fight.
Following his 2021 withdrawal from the Tim Tszyu fight, Zerafa reported receiving threats. In November 2022, he informed Fox Sports Australia that he sought protection from Victorian police, including the Echo Taskforce, due to warnings of a contract on his life. Zerafa attributed these incidents to the fallout from the withdrawal, stating "things got really dark" and police advised him to alter his daily routine. He did not specify the origin or motivation behind the alleged threats but confirmed police involvement. He also stated that legal restrictions prevented him from fully disclosing the reasons for his initial withdrawal, only confirming he had been "lied to."
Leading up to the fight, verbal exchanges occurred during a press conference and a heated weigh-in interaction in Brisbane's King George Square, requiring security intervention.
- Zerafa commented on the weigh-in, stating, "Nikita has put his hands in my face and on my chin too much in the lead-up. I let it happen, but not this time. It was nothing personal, but it was to show my authority and that I am not a pushover." He also stated his "switch was flicked 48 hours ago."
- Tszyu described the weigh-in as a turning point, stating, "Once the weigh-in happens, there is a certain switch that flicks in the body, where you are prepared for war." He added, "I wanted the momentum to change. In the past, in the press conferences, I am a bit more chilled out and relaxed, but the weigh-in is where I really set off."
For final words at the weigh-in, Tszyu stated to Zerafa, "Enjoy the pain because I live for this pain. I take comfort in the pain. Pain is where I feel most alive. I know in the past he hasn't enjoyed it as much so … let's love it." Zerafa's reported final words to Tszyu were "God bless." Zerafa also expressed an expectation that Tszyu "starts pretty solid, and he does fade towards the end, so I am expecting the same," believing he has answers for whatever Tszyu brings.
Fighter Perspectives
- Nikita Tszyu acknowledged the fight as a "big moment" and a significant "test" in his career, noting that some observers considered it a high-risk contest for him due to Zerafa's experience potentially outweighing his own youth. He expressed confidence in himself and his team.
- Michael Zerafa declared himself "levels above" Nikita and viewed the fight as an opportunity to make a "statement" to the boxing community. He emphasized his experience in fighting globally for various titles, stating he feels no pressure. Zerafa suggested this fight presented a greater challenge than a potential fight with Tim Tszyu, who is a former world champion. He positioned himself as the favorite based on his experience, noting that Nikita Tszyu "hasn’t fought the guys I’ve fought." Zerafa characterized Nikita Tszyu's performance as "hot and cold," stating, "Sometimes he’s on, sometimes he’s off... I definitely want the best version of Nikita to rock up. Because when it doesn’t go his way, I don’t want any excuses."
Expert Predictions and Commentary
- Billy Dib, a former IBF featherweight champion, predicted a Zerafa victory, potentially by early stoppage, citing Tszyu's "very hittable" style and Zerafa's extensive experience against notable opponents.
- Australian super welterweight champion Koen Mazoudier also predicted a Zerafa victory by knockout, highlighting Zerafa's passion and "ego."
- Former world champion Kell Brook, who fought Zerafa in 2018, described Zerafa as "underrated" and noted his toughness, ability to absorb punches, strong right hand, and resilience. Brook declined to pick a winner, stating the contest was "too close."
- Former world champion Jeff Horn, who had a two-fight series with Zerafa, concurred that Zerafa's public statements sometimes overshadow his in-ring abilities. Horn characterized Zerafa as skilled and fit, highlighting his jab and movement, and admitted underestimating Zerafa in their initial fight. Horn predicted a Zerafa win, possibly by decision, believing Zerafa would be slightly better than Tszyu. He also suggested Tszyu "be smart" and avoid an overly aggressive approach.
- American boxing great Shawn Porter backed Zerafa for a decision victory.
- Paulie Malignaggi, another American boxing great, predicted a knockout victory for Nikita Tszyu, attributing it to Tszyu's "psychotic mindset."
- Dylan Biggs, who previously sparred with Tszyu, anticipated a Tszyu win, potentially by early stoppage, highlighting Tszyu's youth and improved speed.
Undercard Results and Developments
The event's undercard featured a professional boxing debut by former NRL player Nelson Asofa-Solomona against fellow former rugby league player Jeremy Latimore. Asofa-Solomona, weighing 130 kilograms, secured a first-round knockout victory by landing an uppercut against Latimore. Post-fight, Asofa-Solomona expressed dissatisfaction with his performance but credited Latimore for entering the ring. Asofa-Solomona, who has a three-year contract with No Limit, expressed a desire to fight other rugby league players across the "NRL division." Former Rabbitohs forward George Burgess observed the fight and engaged in a discussion with Asofa-Solomona.
In another undercard bout, Liam Wilson secured a victory against Rodex Piala with a left-hand body shot that resulted in a knockout.