The Australian boxing world is in uproar after Michael Zerafa's highly anticipated bout against Nikita Tszyu ended in chaotic and controversial fashion on Friday night in Brisbane, leaving the polarising fighter staring at a potential lifetime ban.
The Fight That Never Was
The contest was sensationally stopped at the end of the second round and declared a no contest after an accidental head clash. Ringside doctor Alan Saunders made the call after twice asking Zerafa if he could see, to which the boxer replied, "I can't see... I can't see." Zerafa, 33, later claimed he suffered a shattered eye socket and retinal damage, spending the night in hospital.
In stunning scenes, the Brisbane crowd reacted with fury, hurling cups and cans towards the ring. Commentator Ben Damon described the moment as "extraordinary" and one that would be talked about forever in Australian boxing history.
Backlash and Accusations of Cowardice
The drama escalated post-fight. Zerafa's cut man, Matt Clark, took to social media to insist the cut over Zerafa's left eye was minimal, sharing an image of the bloodied swab used. Tim Tszyu, Nikita's older brother and a world champion, stormed the ring, confronting Zerafa and labelling him a "pussy" and "cowardly."
Tim Tszyu referenced his own gruesome fight in Las Vegas in 2024, where he battled on for 12 rounds with a severe cut against Sebastian Fundora. "I just don't understand the cowardly act," Tim Tszyu said to media. "He felt a little bit of adversity and instead of rising up to the occasion he just said, 'Nah, I can't see'. It's bizarre."
Career in Tatters and Promoter's Fury
Following the bout, Zerafa went on an eight-minute rant backstage, threatening to quit the sport for good. "I'm f***ing done. I've bled for this sport," he said. However, the decision may now be out of his hands. His promoter, No Limit Boxing, is reportedly set to tear up his contract and hand him a life ban.
No Limit CEO George Rose admitted he was "enraged" by Zerafa's conduct, stating, "I know so many people are pissed off." Nikita Tszyu expressed his disbelief, accusing Zerafa of seeing "the opening to escape and just [taking] the first route out."
The fallout from this single night in Brisbane has left Michael Zerafa's reputation in tatters and his future in the sport hanging by a thread, with the boxing community largely united in condemnation.
