In a highly anticipated all-Australian boxing match, Nikita Tszyu is set to face off against Michael Zerafa on January 16 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. The bout has sparked intense debate, with former rival Koen Mazoudier predicting that Tszyu will be knocked out, questioning his passion for the sport.
Koen Mazoudier, who faced Tszyu in a domestic bout just over a year ago, shared his predictions with Fox Sports Australia, stating, “I don’t know how much passion he has for the sport.” Mazoudier expects Zerafa to clinch victory in the upcoming headliner, which has been eagerly anticipated by boxing fans across the nation.
Odds and Expectations
Currently, bookmakers are slightly favoring Zerafa, with the TAB listing him as a $1.85 favorite, while Tszyu stands at $1.95. The odds reflect the close nature of the fight, which is seen as a pick ’em contest. For those betting on a knockout, Zerafa is paying $3, and Tszyu $3.30, while both fighters are at $4.20 to win on points.
According to the TAB, Zerafa is $1.85 favorite, with the undefeated Tszyu slightly wider at $1.95.
Mazoudier’s own experience with Tszyu saw him narrowly trailing on the scorecards before being stopped, in what was considered the 2024 Fight of the Year by Australian promoter No Limit. Since then, Mazoudier has rebounded, winning the Australian title and defending it twice, positioning himself for another significant fight.
Rivalries and Resentments
The animosity between Tszyu and Zerafa adds an extra layer of intrigue to the match. Tszyu has publicly criticized Zerafa, calling him an “insecure, attention-seeking coward” and expressing a desire to “crush every bone in his body.” This hostility dates back to Zerafa’s infamous ‘Micky Hatton’ sledge, which referenced a painful chapter in the Tszyu family history.
During a 2021 interview, Zerafa compared himself to Ricky Hatton, who had ended Kostya Tszyu’s career. The comment deeply offended the Tszyu family, with Nikita stating, “That fight of my father’s, it was a dark moment in our family history.” The resentment from this incident still lingers, adding fuel to the upcoming bout.
“I’m Micky Zerafa,” Zerafa had declared, without prompting. “It’s f***ing Micky Hatton rocking up. I’m taking over.”
Fighter Profiles and Preparations
Nikita Tszyu, known as ‘The Butcher,’ has fought only once since his victory over Mazoudier due to a troublesome left hand requiring surgery. In August, he quickly dispatched Macedonia’s Lulzim Ismaili in one round. Zerafa, a seasoned world title challenger, also finished American Mikey Dahlman in the first round of his latest fight.
Mazoudier, who has been on a winning streak since his loss to Tszyu, is eyeing future bouts with either the loser of the Tszyu-Zerafa fight or fellow No Limit stablemate Brock Jarvis. “I think Brock Jarvis makes sense,” Mazoudier said, noting their past tensions and Jarvis’s recovery from shoulder surgery.
Looking Ahead
The Tszyu-Zerafa showdown is not just a battle for supremacy in the ring but also a clash of personal vendettas and professional aspirations. The outcome could shape the future trajectories of both fighters, with implications for their rankings and potential matchups down the line.
As the fight approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see whether Tszyu can overcome Zerafa’s experience and the psychological warfare that has characterized their rivalry. Regardless of the outcome, the bout promises to be a defining moment in Australian boxing.
“But I’ll say this, someone is getting knocked the f*** out whichever way it goes. Because both those guys can both hurt each other, and they can both get hurt.” – Koen Mazoudier
The stage is set for an explosive encounter, with both fighters ready to prove their mettle and settle scores. As the boxing world watches, the question remains: who will emerge victorious from this high-stakes grudge match?
