Tim Tszyu vs. Michael Zerafa: Australia’s Grudge Match Back In The Works

Tim Tszyu and Michael Zerafa are edging closer to settling their long-standing rivalry, with discussions ramping up for a potential showdown in April. According to Fox Sports Australia, promoters No Limit are driving efforts to organise what could be the biggest all-Australian boxing clash since Anthony Mundine faced Danny Green nearly two decades ago.

For Tszyu (24-2-0), this fight would mark a return to home soil, where he remains undefeated in 23 bouts. For Zerafa, it’s an opportunity to cement his place in Australian boxing history and hand Tszyu his first professional loss on home turf.

The feud between Tszyu and Zerafa dates back to 2021 when their first scheduled bout fell apart under contentious circumstances. Zerafa and his team raised concerns over COVID-19 restrictions and a potential 14-day quarantine, pulling out a week before the original fight.

This fight is going to be massive, and I’m ready to make a statement.

Michael Zerafa

Both fighters have exchanged barbs in the years since, with Tszyu once dismissing the idea of a fight entirely, saying, “Don’t mention that name.” Zerafa, on the other hand, has accused Tszyu of avoiding him, saying, “He’s running from me.”

Now, Zerafa (32-5-0) insists the time for excuses is over. “Everything aligns now. This is the biggest fight that can be made in Australia,” he stated.

The Melbourne-born fighter, currently trained by boxing legend Nonito Donaire, has already begun preparing for the anticipated clash. If the fight goes ahead in April, Zerafa plans to train at the Wild Card Boxing Gym in Los Angeles, with Hall of Fame coach Freddie Roach potentially stepping in as his corner man.

“I’ve spoken to Freddie, and he’s interested,” Zerafa revealed. “This fight is going to be massive, and I’m ready to make a statement.”

He also aims to spar with world-class opponents, including Sebastian Fundora and Bakhram Murtazaliev, fighters who have previously defeated Tszyu.

Zerafa’s last major outing and title challenge came in a March 2024 3rd round TKO loss to Erislandy Lara in Las Vegas. He bounced back in August, knocking out 41-year-old Tommy Browne in the 1st round at the ICC Sydney Theatre.

For Tim Tszyu, the stakes couldn’t be higher. After back-to-back losses to Fundora and Murtazaliev, a third consecutive defeat could seriously damage his career trajectory. Tszyu has returned to training shortly after his recent wedding and remains focused on reclaiming his path to world title contention.

While no contracts have been signed yet, both fighters appear eager to finalise the bout. Zerafa has made his stance clear: “This fight has to happen. No more delays. Let’s stop running and make it official.”

As anticipation builds, fans are gearing up for what could be one of the most anticipated Australian fights in recent history — a clash of pride and unfinished business.