Australian boxer Michael Zerafa has stunned the sporting world by threatening to retire from the ring for good, following a night of high drama and furious backlash at Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Zerafa's heavily anticipated grudge match against Nikita Tszyu ended in a controversial no-contest decision on Friday night, sparking a torrent of boos, thrown cans, and a furious in-ring confrontation from Tszyu's world champion brother, Tim.
Chaos in the Ring: A Fight Stopped Short
The domestic blockbuster, years in the making due to a bitter feud stemming from Zerafa's past withdrawal from a fight with Tim Tszyu, was abruptly halted before the start of the third round. The frenetic opening two rounds saw several head clashes between the fighters. Zerafa was captured telling the ringside doctor "I can't see" three times, prompting the official to stop the bout on medical grounds.
Officials declared the fight a no decision due to an accidental head butt. However, the Brisbane crowd and Team Tszyu immediately condemned the stoppage as a cowardly act from Zerafa. In a chaotic post-fight scene, spectators hurled cans towards the ring as Zerafa protested his innocence during a televised interview, changing his story to say his vision was merely "blurry, but all good."
Tszyu Family Fury and a Scathing Comparison
The reaction from the Tszyu camp was swift and scathing. Nikita Tszyu expressed his frustration, stating he believed Zerafa "saw the opening to escape and just took the first route out." He pointed to the cut as a standard boxing hazard. The anger reached its peak when Tim Tszyu stormed the ring, refusing to shake Zerafa's hand and unleashing a wild tirade.
Tim Tszyu mockingly labelled Zerafa a "pussy," drawing a stark comparison to his own legendary performance in 2024. He fought for 12 rounds against Sebastian Fundora in Las Vegas while bleeding profusely from a severe head cut. "I went 12 rounds. I can't see," Tszyu shouted at Zerafa, highlighting what he saw as a profound lack of heart and fortitude.
Zerafa's Backstage Rant and Retirement Threat
Facing universal condemnation, a visibly emotional Zerafa launched into an eight-minute rant backstage. He vehemently denied quitting, placing the blame on the doctor's decision, and lamented a lack of respect throughout his career. In a shocking declaration, he threatened to walk away from boxing permanently.
"I don't know if they're going to see me back in the ring, man. I'm f***ing done," Zerafa said. "I've bled for this sport. I've done everything for this sport. I never get the credit I deserve." He claimed he had to be escorted from the venue and concluded, "It's bulls***, man. I'm over this s***."
Promoter George Rose of No Limit Boxing offered a terse apology to the sold-out crowd and was non-committal about a potential rematch. Meanwhile, Tim Tszyu made his position clear, stating he does not believe Zerafa deserves another chance to fight his brother Nikita, closing a chapter that appears to have ended in acrimony and controversy.
