Michael Zerafa believes that an all-Australian showdown with Tim Tszyu has gained significant traction following Tszyu’s recent defeat to Sebastian Fundora in Las Vegas. Zerafa remarked, “People are now saying ‘s***, Zerafa could win’.” This sentiment follows a crushing loss for Tszyu, who was retired on his stool after the seventh round against Fundora.
The announcement comes as former world champion Keith Thurman criticized Tszyu, calling him out for “thinking he’s the s***” after the loss. Thurman, who was initially set to face Tszyu at the T-Mobile Arena in early 2024, stated he would still be willing to fight Tszyu in Australia, albeit with a warning: “If y’all want him to get murdered.”
Post-Fundora Loss: Tszyu’s Future in Question
Tszyu’s defeat marks his third consecutive title loss in the United States, raising questions about his immediate future in the boxing world. Had he emerged victorious, Tszyu’s team at No Limit had plans to target high-profile matches against US superstars such as Thurman, Jermell Charlo, and Errol Spence Jr. However, with the recent setback, Tszyu’s path to redemption may need to be forged domestically.
Shawn Porter, an esteemed figure in American boxing, commented on Tszyu’s situation, noting, “The train ride has come to a halt.” Porter suggested that while Tszyu’s career isn’t over, the road back to world title contention will be challenging and likely based in Australia for the foreseeable future.
Zerafa’s Rise and Potential Showdown
Zerafa, who is currently slated to fight on Nikita Tszyu’s August comeback card, expressed his willingness to bypass that bout for a direct confrontation with Tim Tszyu. “Our fight just got bigger,” Zerafa stated, emphasizing the increased interest in a potential match-up between the two Australian fighters.
Zerafa also revealed that he had reached out to Tszyu’s manager, Glen Jennings, before the fight to wish them luck, hoping for Tszyu to become a two-time world champion. Despite the rivalry, Zerafa maintained a supportive stance, saying, “I honestly hoped he would win.”
Thurman’s Critique and Tszyu’s Tactical Challenges
Meanwhile, Thurman did not hold back in his critique of Tszyu’s performance against Fundora. He highlighted Tszyu’s lack of tactical acumen, stating, “He landed a few shots… they just weren’t hard enough, they just weren’t flush enough.” Thurman suggested that Tszyu needs to refine his strategy and choose his future opponents wisely.
Peter Badel, a boxing analyst, echoed these sentiments, suggesting a cautious approach for Tszyu’s comeback. “Put Tim in cotton wool, give him some time out,” Badel advised, recommending that Tszyu face lower-ranked international opponents to rebuild his ranking and confidence.
Path Forward: Rebuilding Tszyu’s Career
As Tszyu contemplates his next steps, the focus will likely be on rebuilding his career with a strategic selection of opponents. Badel noted that Tszyu’s defensive skills require improvement, emphasizing the need for a “tighter guard” and better head movement to avoid being a stationary target.
Shawn Porter reinforced this perspective, asserting that Tszyu still possesses the potential to compete at an elite level, provided he addresses these tactical deficiencies. “He dared to be great and fell short,” Porter concluded, underscoring the importance of resilience and adaptation in Tszyu’s journey forward.
As the boxing world watches closely, the decision on Tszyu’s next opponent—whether it be Zerafa, Thurman, or another contender—will be pivotal in shaping the trajectory of his career. The coming months will be crucial as Tszyu seeks to regain his footing and re-establish himself as a formidable force in the sport.
