Tszyu Shuts Door on Zerafa Rematch After Brisbane Boxing Farce
Australian boxing star Nikita Tszyu has delivered a definitive verdict on his future with Michael Zerafa, ruling out any possibility of a rematch following their chaotic and controversial bout in Brisbane. The fight, which ended in a no-contest after just three rounds, has left a bitter taste for all involved, with Tszyu declaring he is "closing the book" on the entire saga.
Premature End Sparks Fury in Brisbane Arena
The highly anticipated grudge match at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre came to a premature and unsatisfactory conclusion when referee Chris Condon waved off the contest in the third round. The decision followed Zerafa reporting vision issues after an accidental head clash, though he later claimed his sight was only "blurry" and that he wanted to continue fighting.
The abrupt stoppage triggered immediate outrage within the arena, with boos echoing around the venue and objects, including empty cans, being thrown towards the ring as tempers flared among disappointed spectators.
Tszyu's Categorical Rejection of Rematch
When questioned about the prospect of a rematch to settle the unfinished business, Tszyu responded with an emphatic "Absolutely not." He expressed profound disappointment for everyone invested in the five-year drama between the two camps.
"I'm closing the book on it," Tszyu stated. "I'm just disappointed for everybody involved. I'm gutted for everyone. And not just me and my team, but everyone who bought a ticket, everyone that bought a pay-per-view and everyone who's followed the five-year drama between Zerafa and our family. It wasn't under my control, but I'm just sorry for the way it played out."
Management Backs Fighter's Stance Unequivocally
Tszyu's long-time manager, Glen Jennings, reinforced the fighter's position, stating categorically that there is no appetite within the camp for a rematch under any circumstances.
"I can tell you categorically, there will be no rematch," Jennings declared. "And that is from both the team and Nikita himself. We don't feel it's necessary. We also don't feel that a rematch is deserving or that it's in the best interests of Nikita moving forward. There also wouldn't be an appetite for it. Given Michael's behaviour and the way this all ended, it just wouldn't be the right thing to do. And that's why Michael Zerafa won't be spoken about by our team again."
Jennings also dismissed any suggestions of premeditation regarding the stoppage, despite scrutiny over a pre-fight rules meeting question about injuries. "Nah, no conspiracy," he asserted. "I was in that meeting; a simple question that's only come to light now because of the outcome. But being premeditated? I don't draw that conclusion or put any stock in it."
Zerafa Issues Public Apology for Controversial Comments
In the aftermath of the controversy, Michael Zerafa released a public apology on Tuesday, acknowledging his poor choice of words during the immediate post-fight period.
"I want to acknowledge that what I said was wrong and apologise," Zerafa wrote. "My choice of words in that moment was poor and does not reflect my values or the person I strive to be. I was speaking immediately after the fight, with adrenaline high and emotions still raw. My team and I considered going into greater detail, but ultimately felt that accountability matters more than explanation. What's important is owning my mistake and committing to doing better moving forward. I apologise for my poor choice of words and accept responsibility for the impact they caused."
Tszyu's Future and Physical Condition
On a positive note for Tszyu's career trajectory, his camp confirmed that the rising star emerged from the brief encounter completely unscathed and is ready to return to the ring imminently.
"No injuries at all," Jennings reported. "The hand came through nicely and Nikita is effectively good to go already. So without giving you a specific date right now, I can say the turnaround should be reasonably quick." This suggests a potential return to action as soon as late April or May, allowing Tszyu to move forward from this disappointing chapter without delay.
While acknowledging the widespread disappointment across Australian boxing, Tszyu made it clear that his focus has already shifted beyond this controversy. "I'm just disappointed for everybody involved," he reiterated. "But that chapter is done." The statement serves as a definitive full stop to a rivalry that promised much but delivered frustration for fighters and fans alike.
