Tim Tszyu is ready to agree to all-Aussie showdown with Michael Zerafa, but there is one HUGE catch

Michael Zerafa has revealed that discussions are underway for a long-awaited domestic boxing clash with Tim Tszyu. 

However, Zerafa claims that Tszyu has requested a warm-up fight before committing to their bout. 

Tszyu, coming off consecutive losses, including a defeat to Russian champion Bakhram Murtazaliev in October, has not confirmed his involvement in the fight. 

He stated earlier this week, ‘Don’t mention that name,’ when asked about Zerafa. 

However the anticipated showdown, which could potentially occur in 2025, has already generated significant interest among boxing fans.

Zerafa, known as ‘Pretty Boy,’ disclosed the details during a No Limit Boxing event in Sydney. 

Zerafa said that Tszyu wanted a warm up fight in Australia to get his groove back again

‘Tim Tszyu wants a warm-up fight. The words that have been relayed back to me are that he wants to go back to basics, get his confidence back after two losses,’ he said.

Zerafa insists he is ready for the fight now, adding, ‘Personally, I’d have that fight tonight.’

The rivalry between Tszyu and Zerafa dates back several years.

A planned fight in 2021 was canceled when Zerafa withdrew just a week before the bout, sparking animosity between the two camps. 

Despite Tszyu’s reluctance to engage, Zerafa expressed confidence that the bout will happen. 

‘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, claiming, ‘Tim is running scared.’

Tszyu has now lost two fights in a row, including to Russian Bakhram Murtazaliev

‘He knows if it’s three losses in a row, everything is 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 UK promoter Eddie Hearn to pursue the Tszyu fight. 

He emphasised the importance of this rivalry, stating, ‘Boxing needs this because there’s no love in the glove. I’ll fight him and get my hand raised.’

Adding to the drama, popular fighter Brock Jarvis called out Tszyu’s younger brother, Nikita, for a fight following his recent victory over Adrian Rodriguez. 

‘I want Nikita Tszyu. That’s the fight I’m gunning for,’ Jarvis said.