Nikita Tszyu vs. Michael Zerafa | PPV - January 16, 2026

[amwsnw]

I’m honestly not sure. Physically he should be bigger than Nikita, but I was just curious how his weight cut was going. He looked trim on tv tonight. An honest question, not trying to suggest any struggles.

[MPW]

I agree with you, Zerafa should be the bigger man in the ring, and I have no idea how much he rehydrates after the weigh-in. Tszyu hasn't weighed in above the SWW limit for any of his fights, so there could be a significant weight difference between the two of them at first bell.

[amwsnw]

I expect Michael to be much more aggressive than he was against Lara, and whilst tszyu is not on Lara’s level it should give a blue print how to land the power shot. See how Nikita withstands Michael’s early pressure and if he can land a counter.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Calf injury rules Rahim Mundine out of Nikita Tszyu-Michael Zerafa undercard

BRISBANE, Australia – Rahim “CJ” Mundine has withdrawn from Friday’s fight with Geoff Matthews after suffering a calf strain on Tuesday morning.

The middleweight son of the retired super-middleweight champion Anthony injured himself while running and did so at sufficiently late notice that it was only at the open workouts staged to publicise Friday’s pay-per-view, headlined by Nikita Tszyu-Michael Zerafa, that promoters No Limit learned of the development. Matthews, 21, was conducting an interview to discuss their fight when the news was confirmed.

“Unfortunately he strained his calf this morning running, and as you know strains in the calf can take a while to recover and heal,” said Anthony Mundine, who is also his trainer.

“It’s unfortunate. We’ve just got to take it on the chin, get his body right again, and get him back out in the ring as soon as possible.

“It ain’t smart [to fight with the injury]. It ain’t smart – it’s dumb.”

Rahim Mundine, 24, was on the eve of his third fight as a professional. The occasion at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, owing to the significant interest in the all-Australian grudge match between Tszyu and Zerafa, represents the biggest in which he had been involved.

“I’m disappointed,” he said. “I trained really hard for this – a big card, Nikita Tszyu-Zerafa, I was excited. It is what it is. The main thing is I’m ready to fight – I train really hard, I’m ready to fight. My dad doesn’t want me to get in the ring if I’m not 100 per cent – that’s the truth.

“I understand that – he’s my father – it makes sense. It is what it is.

“It’s not my decision. My dad – he knows what’s best for me. I’ll be back. It is what it is – things happen – but I’ll be back

“I trained hard. Of course I want to fight.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

Michael Zerafa, after 39 fights, gains ‘perspective’ from Anthony Joshua

Michael Zerafa is fighting Nikita Tszyu with a new sense of “perspective” after watching Anthony Joshua win the biggest fight of 2025 and then endure his own brush with death.

Tszyu and Zerafa on Friday fight at a catchweight of 157lbs in an all-Australian contest on course to prove the biggest of each of their careers. For the 33-year-old Zerafa there is also an awareness that his 40th fight, at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, could even be his last.

In the event of defeat by the 27-year-old, 11-fight professional, Zerafa’s options would not only be limited at world level, he would also be without a rival at home. The tension that has long existed between him and his opponent’s older brother Tim contributed to them being matched together and to the appeal that has made it a pay-per-view contest and one expected to attract a capacity crowd of 10,000.

It is on the former world-title challenger that there would appear to be the greatest pressure, but having seen Joshua beat Jake Paul and then nearly lose it all in a car crash in Nigeria that killed his friends Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, Zerafa, more than ever before, recognises that what is being treated as a grudge match is little more than a fight.

“It was not that long ago I changed my outlook on things,” he told BS. “A few weeks back Anthony Joshua beat Jake Paul, made tens of millions of money, and then a week after that he was in a car accident with two of his best mates and trainers. So my perspective on life’s changed a little bit. One minute you can be here; next minute you can not be here.

“ it’s a must. I’ve still got that mentality. But I also have the mentality that there’s more to life than boxing. There’s a family to be made; my team – my circle – to be looked after. There’s a lot more things than boxing. I’ve done this for 27 years, you know what I mean? There’s not much pressure. Like I said, I go out there, and if it’s meant to be it’ll be. I’m here for a reason.

“I feel good. Credit to the promoters and everyone that’s tried to make it as big as possible.

“There’s not much pressure on me. I’ve been here before. I’ve just got to go out there and be me. It’s God’s plan. I’m here for a reason.

“I go out there, it’s God’s plan. If it’s meant to be, I’ll win.”

In the build-up to Friday’s contest Zerafa has also spoken of focusing on nurturing his psyche.

“I’ve always done it,” he said. “I do my once a week sports psych, but I’ve made sure I’ve invested and made more time to make sure that the days off, the resting period, I was utilising that and working the mind, so that when it is time to go to deep waters I’m mentally prepared.

“[It’s] super healthy. Back when I was 20 years old people would think I’ve got problems or whatnot, but it’s the complete opposite. It’s not about life, it's about being present; about going through the emotions and dialling in when it’s needed. It works.”

The aggressive-but-raw Tszyu represents a both dangerous-and-inexperienced opponent. He has cut a considerably more relaxed figure in the build-up to Friday’s contest – perhaps partly because he is undefeated – and Zerafa’s tension in his presence suggested that, as with Tim Tszyu, he potentially dislikes Nikita. But he ultimately insists that he does not.

“I like him – I get along with him,” he explained. “He’s completely different to Tim. I find him a cool dude; he’s a genuine kid, he says some strange things but it works for him. That’s Nikita. I’ve got nothing bad to say about him. There’s no bad blood towards Nikita – I’ve got nothing against him.

“I just see another man standing in my way. It’s purely business for me. I actually – I can see myself on a pier fishing with Nikita one day. I’ve got nothing against him. We actually share the same interests. I’ve got nothing against him; it’s purely business for me, and sadly he’s the man that’s roadblocking my goal to be world champion.

“He’s beaten everyone that’s been in front of him and you can’t knock anyone for that. He’s a tough, hungry kid – I know he’s gonna come and bring it, and that’s what we want. We want a hard fight; I’ve been knocking everyone out, my last few, so it’d be good to go out there and get some rounds in the bank. But, on the other hand, I hope it goes only one or two rounds in my favour. It is what it is. We’re ready for the test.

“He’s gonna walk forward; he’s pressure; he's a southpaw; he wants to fight. He’s got that do-or-die mentality. I know he’s gonna be there to bring it, and I’ve also been there before and proven that I can mix it with the best.”

[MPW]

I know he's played the villain in past promotions, but Zerafa actually comes off as a decent, respectful, and introspective person in the interview.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Full weigh-in results

Ten rounds, 157lbs catchweight
Nikita Tszyu (155.6lbs) vs Michael Zerafa (156.9lbs)

Eight rounds, heavyweight
Demsey McKean (251.1lbs) vs Toese Vousiutu (265.4lbs)

Four rounds, heavyweight
Nelson Asofa-Solomona (293.4lbs) vs Jeremy Latimore (248.5lbs)

Ten rounds, Australian heavyweight title
Stevan Ivic (261.9lbs) vs Liam Talivaa (233.7lbs)

Ten rounds, junior lightweight
Liam Wilson (129.3lbs) vs Rodex Piala (129.0lbs)

Six rounds, super middleweight
Max Reeves (167.0lbs) vs Sonny Abid (165.9lbs)

Six rounds, lightweight
Billy Polkinghorn (134.8lbs) vs Jomar Paliwen (135.7lbs)

Ten rounds, middleweight
Blake Wells (159.2 lbs) vs Ainiwaer Yilixiati (159.0 lbs)

Four rounds, junior middleweight
Jack Javed (153.3lbs) vs Zephy Vaotu’ua (152.4lbs)

[Ruthless-RKO]

Liam Wilson wants a rematch with Navarrete after this.

If he wins
Ofcourse

[giacomino]

Liam Wilson wants a rematch with Navarrete after this.

If he wins
Ofcourse

Getting TKO'd by a shot Oscar Valdez in his next meaningful fight doesn't make a good case for that, neither does beating up a punchless Filipino novice like Piala. But ratings are built on shyte these days, aren't they?

[Ruthless-RKO]

WATCH LIVE Friday 16 January 7:00pm AEDT

The trash talk and bitterness come to a head when Nikita Tszyu steps into the ring to face Michael Zerafa in one of the most anticipated fights in Australian boxing history.

PAY-PER-VIEW: $69.95

FULL FIGHT CARD

Nikita Tszyu vs. Michael Zerafa - 10 rounds (Middleweight)
Demsey McKean vs. Toese Vousiutu - 8 rounds (Heavyweight)
Nelson Asofa-Solomona vs. Jeremy Latimore - 4 rounds (Heavyweight)
Stevan Ivic vs. Liam Talivaa - 10 rounds (Heavyweight)
Liam Wilson vs. Rodex Piala - 10 rounds (Super Featherweight)

PRELIMS

Max Reeves vs. Sonny Abid - 6 rounds (Super Middleweight)
Billy Polkinghorn vs. Jomar Paliwen (Lightweight)
Rahim Mundine vs. Geoffrey Matthews - 4 rounds (Middleweight)
Blake Wells vs. Ainiwaer Yilixiati - 10 rounds (Middleweight)
Jack Javed vs. Zephy Vaotu’ua - 4 rounds (Super Welterweight)

[Ruthless-RKO]

HEADBUTT LEAVES ZERAFA UNABLE TO CONTINUE, TSZYU GRUDGE FIGHT ENDS IN NO CONTEST

Just as quickly as Nikita Tszyu-Michael Zerafa was bubbling up nicely through two rounds, it was dramatically stopped three seconds into the third frame.

Former world title challenger Zerafa (34-5, 22 KOs) was deemed unable to continue between the doctor and referee Chris Condon taking his advice, having suffered a nasty gash above his left eye from an accidental headbutt.

"I didn't stop it, I don't know why you're booing me, the doctor stopped it," Zerafa protested as thousands of displeased paying fans at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre felt short-changed by what was billed as the fight of the decade on Australian shores.

Both apologised in post-fight interviews afterwards, with Tszyu (11-0, 9 KOs) saying he was told that 'Michael said he couldn't see' as it remains unclear whether they'll pivot in a different direction. Tszyu lamented having trained for six months without reward, while the 33-year-old was rushed backstage with a security escort to avoid being hit by fans.

It's especially an anticlimax given Zerafa began well.

He advanced and caught the fan favourite with a slick succession of jabs before moments later, was off-balance and teetering dangerously close to the canvas before the referee breaks them after eating some leather straight back, an early sign of things to come.

They briefly trade in the pocket, Tszyu flicks his left hand through the guard and it's an interesting start to a fight which has bubbled nicely. Both are clearly defensively vulnerable and that makes for precisely what everyone came for - a conclusive finishing.

Tszyu starts the second round with forward pressure, Zerafa intermittently countering him off the back foot and waiting for openings. The referee separates them again and the former world title challenger is wearing some damage around his left eye, a sight spurring both into action as the younger man has a target to aim at, Zerafa needs to assert himself.

He does with a clean right, then Tszyu fires back and presses his foot on the accelerator, leaving himself open for a lunging hook to land flush as he staggers back to the ropes.

Just before the start of round three, the doctor assessed Zerafa's left eye. He did so and although no longer bloody, you could see a deep cut above his eye but below the eyebrow.

Cameras showed Zerafa verbalise that he was okay to continue, though instinctively you can sense a decision is taking too long and moments later, the official motions to wave it off.

McKean targeting world-level run and more

Demsey McKean (24-2, 16 KOs) is glad to be back winning in the public eye and eyes a return to the world scene after a seventh-round stoppage of Toese Vousiutu (8-3, 7 KOs), who proved too tough for his own good during a gruelling back-and-forth tussle at times.

McKean, whose career defeats have come against Filip Hrgovic and Moses Itauma, both rated among The Ring's top-10 at heavyweight, looked off-balance at times and was drawn into exchanging in close quarters when he would've been better served to utilise his range.

Yet from as early as round three, the 35-year-old hurt Vousiutu - even if he tried to mask it - and there was an overwhelming sense the writing was on the wall two rounds later, as he connected clean with a series of uppercuts and stinging haymakers to unsteady him.

An unanswered barrage of punches pinning Vousiutu against the ropes did the trick before McKean embraced the bad boy role, predicting a Zerafa win to cap the night's action.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona was the latest athlete to switch sports, predictably scoring a first-round finish on his pro debut with an uppercut blasting beyond Jeremy Latimore (1-1).

After a successful career as a professional rugby league footballer, who also made 16 international appearances for New Zealand, the 29-year-old was unhappy and stressed the need to hold his stance better after breezing past a fellow former pro, albeit a decade older.

Stevan Ivic (8-0-1, 2 KOs) retained his domestic title with a narrow 10-round majority decision win (96-94 x 2, 95-95) past Liam Talivaa in a slow-burner that ebbed and flowed.

Former sparring partner-turned-opponent Talivaa (7-2, 3 KOs) finished stronger and wobbled the defending champion in the final round, to the point where many were surprised by the scorecards not favouring the younger southpaw after throwing caution to the wind.

The decision was met with boos as Ivic praised Talivaa's improvements since sharing rounds previously, hinting that he wanted to be in more exciting fights and start challenging himself overseas -- adding that U.S. and UK heavyweights are 'nowhere as good as ours'.

Wilson sends Piala packing in four

One-time junior lightweight world title challenger Liam Wilson (18-3, 10 KOs) kicked off the main card with the night's first stoppage, defending his WBO ranking title with a fourth-round stoppage of tricky Rodex Piala (12-2, 1 KO).

Filipino visitor Piala was left writhing in agony near the ropes for several minutes, a sharp contrast to what was an encouraging effort following a cagey start. Landing early and often in the second frame, Wilson wore the damage and looked a cherry red colour, though being caught clean on the bell to end round three kicked the 29-year-old into gear.

His corner were visibly excited by hooks and body shots in the fourth, the latter foreshadowing an emphatic finish. A nice one-two combination was followed by a disguised left hook to the midsection, Piala didn't see it coming and 'Mr. Damage' ended it early.

"I had to box the right fight, he was tricky customer but got the job done, onto the next. It was a weird one, we had the main event first and now you can enjoy the undercard," he joked during his post-fight interview. Prior during the build-up, he sang a different tune.

Next month will mark three years since he fought admirably but ultimately succumbed to a ninth-round knockout defeat by WBO 130-pound champion Emanuel Navarrete.

"I think I deserve the Navarrete rematch. I said many years ago when I lost, if he doesn't wanna give it me, I'll work my way back into a position and that's what I'm doing. Time waits for nobody - I'm getting older - and need to make the most of it," he told BS.

Currently the WBO's No. 3-ranked contender, No. 1-rated Charly Suarez will presumably get first refusal on the Navarrete-Nunez unification winner come March 1. Kenichi Ogawa at No. 2 - viciously stopped by Joe Cordina in June 2022 - has only boxed poor opposition since.

Keeping active, this showing will have done him some good.

Full card results

157-pound catchweight, 10 rounds: Nikita Tszyu ND3 (0:03) Michael Zerafa

Heavyweight: Demsey McKean TKO7 (1:27) Toese Vousiutu

Heavy: Nelson Asofa-Solomona KO1 (2:27) Solomona-Jeremy Latimore

Heavy: Stevan Ivic MD10 (96-94 x 2, 95-95) Liam Talivaa

Junior lightweight: Liam Wilson KO4 (2:56) Rodex Piala

Super middleweight: Max Reeves UD6 (60-54) Sonny Abid

Lightweight: Billy Polkinghorn UD6 (60-54) Jomar Paliwen

Middleweight: Blake Wells TD9 (88-83, 88-84, 87-84) Ainiwaer Yilixiati

Junior middleweight: Jack Javed UD4 (40-36) Zephy Vaotu'ua

[giacomino]

Given that Wilson lost by TKO to his only live opponent since getting TKO'd by Navarrete, his #3 ranking is pretty generous, but that's boxing. And Navarette isn't getting any younger and has been looking very beatable. Wouldn't be surprised to see him lose his belt in the next year

[amwsnw]

Not happy. I’m going to take a breath before commenting too much. But let’s just say Nikita was walking forward and Michael backwards. From what I understand the doctor says d the cut was fine - then Michael said his vision was “blurry”. He said that as it was live on tv. End of the line for Zerafa as far as big pay days go. If no limit give him another shot no one is buying it. Move on tszyu boys.

[brian1982]

Zerafa... levels of shithousery that go above and beyond. True Aussie

[amwsnw]

Donna how to take that Brian ? I’m hoping it’s satcasm

[MPW]

Not happy. I’m going to take a breath before commenting too much. But let’s just say Nikita was walking forward and Michael backwards. From what I understand the doctor says d the cut was fine - then Michael said his vision was “blurry”. He said that as it was live on tv. End of the line for Zerafa as far as big pay days go. If no limit give him another shot no one is buying it. Move on tszyu boys.

I read pretty much the same thing: the ringside doctor was going to let them continue until Zerafa said he couldn't see, giving the doc no choice but to call it off.

I agree with you. The Tszyu boys should just move on and stay far away from Zerafa, no upside in dealing with him. No Limit should also wash its hands of him.

[giacomino]

He's been good at milking his career and I have to think he'll claim he was getting on top in the fight and then the cut happened. He'll call for a rematch with Nikita and claim he deserves a chance to right the "injustice" to get another payday

[amwsnw]

Oh the rematch bullshit was mentioned immediately and guess what - he wanted it. I paid $6500 to take me, my wife, 2x sons to sit ring side from Perth. Great show, no limit. You deal with this fraud again you will lose so many supporters. Well done Nikita. You clearly prepared like a pro

[MPW]

He's been good at milking his career and I have to think he'll claim he was getting on top in the fight and then the cut happened. He'll call for a rematch with Nikita and claim he deserves a chance to right the "injustice" to get another payday

It's like you've got the Zerafa script in hand.

[giacomino]

He's been good at milking his career and I have to think he'll claim he was getting on top in the fight and then the cut happened. He'll call for a rematch with Nikita and claim he deserves a chance to right the "injustice" to get another payday

It's like you've got the Zerafa script in hand.

What a fraud. Milked a ridiculous mandatory ranking to get quick KO’d by Lara (also a fraudster) and now this. Don’t blame the locals who spent good money to see this if they are pissed off

[amwsnw]

Really interesting to hear all of these current and ex boxers, Australian and international, commenting on this and how it will affect Australian boxing moving forward. I travelled from Perth, paid VIP and brought my sons. Flights / accomodation it was a shitload. But, I dont hold the promoter responsible. And I had the opportunity to meet and speak to many boxers. I’ll travel again, whether it be Paro or opetaia because I love the sport. Unfortunately this shit happens. It’s happened before and will happen again. Promoters - don’t pay fighters. Argue with them in court. Look after those with integrity. Aussie boxing has some great talent - look after them and not just those who put on a BS persona.
If you get an opportunity listen Jack brubaker on insta or Choc Mundine. Really says it all.

[Ruthless-RKO]

NIKITA TSZYU SUGGESTS MICHAEL ZERAFA UNDERESTIMATED HIM AND QUIT

BRISBANE — Boxing manager Mike Altamura hesitated to go overboard when asked about the fallout after Michael Zerafa deemed himself unable to continue two rounds into his grudge match with Nikita Tszyu on Friday night.

"We didn't want an impromptu fight," Zerafa's former manager was heard telling select reporters in the press room as media waited for No Limit CEO George Rose's arrival.

"I was looking forward to seeing how it was going to go," Altamura, among the additions to Tim Tszyu's new-look team last year, added. "Not going to use the word quit, but I believe he [Zerafa] could've continued. All this build-up and anticipation of the Tszyu surname against Zerafa, for it to play out like that is disappointing."

Nikita was more damning in his assessment during the press conference minutes later.

"I definitely do," he said when asked whether he felt Zerafa had quit. "I think he underestimated me, he saw once the cut happened, a bit of PTSD came through, emotions got the best of him and he started to panic. It's some of the stuff Paulie Malignaggi was criticising him over. Doesn't have the heart or is checked out. Once that little bit of pain comes, he's looking for the exit straight away.

"Spewing's the word. I didn't think [the cut] was that bad. It's a shame that he took the first exit that he could find."

Perhaps that's why older brother Tim was so incensed by what transpired that he could've easily been involved in a post-fight melee as Zerafa sheepishly sought to clarify his disingenuous version of events.

Already cut over his left eye earlier in the contest, the pair clashed heads late in Round 2 and referee Chris Condon called a timeout before the third began.

Zerafa repeatedly told the ringside doctor he couldn't see, before being warned by the official what that would mean, agreed and their 10-round headliner was waved off. After this point, though, is where he changed tune.

He denied withdrawing from the fight, citing a loss of eyesight, despite the presence of microphones and broadcast footage saying otherwise, then doubled down in an interview with broadcaster Main Event.

Nikita described himself as "numb," and while refusing to rule out a rematch he later suggested the Tszyu-Zerafa saga was perhaps cursed altogether.

Zerafa (34-5, 22 KOs) later posted a statement on Instagram with user comments turned off, though his reputation and future in the sport look irreversibly damaged.

The irony would not have been lost on Tim, either. Stubbornly continuing with what was described as an "axe wound" against Sebastian Fundora following an accidental head clash two rounds into their March 2024 title fight, he hasn't looked the same since.

Having flown into Brisbane on fight day, the 31-year-old former WBO junior middleweight champ embraced his role as broadcast analyst and fervent supporter, providing insight into Zerafa's headspace, as he was once scheduled to box him in July 2021 before the veteran's curiously timed withdrawal.

"Michael struggles when put into uncomfortable situations," Tim told FOX Sports Australia last week. "Look at Erislandy Lara, who made him uncomfortable early in their fight and by simply taking away a few of his tools. That moment got the better of him and he broke mentally. It's why I see vulnerabilities there."

Nikita echoed the same sentiment in the presser and while the 27-year-old would've been afforded more lucrative opportunities with a victory here, instead is left apologetically ruing what could have been his career-best night after six months of preparation.

Bakhram Murtazaliev makes his second IBF world title defense against Josh Kelly on January 31. Nikita sits at No. 6 with the sanctioning body among the Russian's top-rated contenders. The top two places remain vacant, while Brandon Adams-Caoimhin Agyarko is set to determine his next mandatory come April 19.

Older brother Tim has the high-profile appeal, while Ring and IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia is peerless domestically.

Nikita, raw and exciting, remains a relative unknown, but we're left wondering what's next after a forgettable end to what was billed as one of Australia's biggest boxing events in a decade.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Michael Zerafa apologizes after cut controversy: 'What I said was wrong'

Michael Zerafa is seeking to do damage control after his bizarre no contest this past week.

A sizable chorus of boxing fans and personalities – including his most recent opponent, Nikita Tszyu – have accused the 33-year-old of quitting in the third round of their fight this past Friday in Boondall, Australia.

Zerafa, 34-5 (22 KOs), repeatedly told the doctor that he could not see due to what appeared to be a minor nick above his eye – which was not dripping blood – caused by an accidental headbutt. The ringside doctor, apparently in disbelief, echoed his words to the referee, who ruled the fight a no contest as it came before the fourth round, which Zerafa seemed pleased with.

The 10,000-plus crowd was none too pleased as Zerafa was booed vociferously, having been denied a conclusive result in a pay-per-view fight between an established veteran and the young upstart Tszyu, 11-0 (9 KOs).

Zerafa denied repeatedly in a post-fight interview that he had told the doctor that he couldn’t see, stating that it was the doctor’s fault the fight was stopped, and not his.

Cutman Matt Clark, who was in Zerafa’s corner, revealed on social media the cotton swab which he treated Zerafa’s cut with, showing it had little more than a dab of blood on it. Zerafa says the whole matter was a miscommunication. Tszyu’s brother, former junior middleweight titleholder Tim Tszyu, mocked Zerafa at center-ring, questioning his manhood while reminding him that he fought 10 rounds with a far more dramatic cut in his first fight with Sebastian Fundora in 2024.

Zerafa claims in a statement issued Sunday on social media that everything was just a big misunderstanding.

“I want to acknowledge that what I said was wrong and apologize,” wrote Zerafa.

“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. While that context helps explain how it happened, it does not excuse it. I take full responsibility and apologize for what I said.”

Zerafa goes on to claim that his eyesight was genuinely blurry, despite the cut not being visible except upon close inspection. He says that medical observations – which were not released to the public – recorded his vision as 6/20.

“The judgement, misinformation and ongoing treatment I’ve experienced within parts of the boxing community from people, coaches and promoters has taken a toll over time. I’ve rarely been given the space to simply be myself,” continues Zerafa.

“That doesn’t excuse my mistake, but it does help explain the emotional weight behind it.”

Zerafa had called for a rematch in the immediate aftermath of the fight.

Nikita Tszyu wasn't buying Zerafa's post-fight explanation.

"Once that little bit of pain comes in, he’s looking for the exit straight away," Tszyu said earlier.

[amwsnw]

The ref made it very clear to Michael what was going to happen if he can’t see. Michael had ample time to correctly articulate what he was trying to say. Two clear things “ I can’t see” x 3. And if he was clear what the outcome would be from referee Condon “Yes”. Michael needs to get off social media and give s as my statements a rest. He’s obviously seeing any future dollar signs disappearing.

[MPW]

The ref made it very clear to Michael what was going to happen if he can’t see. Michael had ample time to correctly articulate what he was trying to say. Two clear things “ I can’t see” x 3. And if he was clear what the outcome would be from referee Condon “Yes”. Michael needs to get off social media and give s as my statements a rest. He’s obviously seeing any future dollar signs disappearing.

I agree with you. It's strictly damage control. I think his reputation has taken a bigger hit than if he had gotten battered and maybe stopped by Tszyu.