Zerafa vs. Tszyu: Former Champions Tip Controversial Aussie for Upset Victory
A highly anticipated domestic clash between Nikita Tszyu and Michael Zerafa is drawing closer, and two former world champions are suggesting the “bad boy” of Australian boxing possesses the skills to pull off a stunning victory. The grudge match,scheduled for friday,January 16th,from 7pm AEDT,has ignited intense debate,with veteran fighters weighing in on Zerafa’s ofen-overlooked boxing prowess.
Zerafa,long known for his outspoken nature,has frequently made headlines with controversial remarks. Though, those closest to the sport recognise a formidable talent within the ring. As the countdown intensifies, respected figures are highlighting Zerafa’s capabilities ahead of what promises to be a fiercely personal battle.
British boxing star Kell Brook, who shared 12 grueling rounds with Zerafa in a 2018 super-welterweight final eliminator, believes the Australian is “definitely underrated.” Brook, who ultimately won by unanimous decision, acknowledged the challenge Zerafa presented. “He did everything well [when we fought],” Brook told Fox Sports Australia. “He was vrey tough – could take a shot very well. He had a good right hand and a big heart.Zerafa was good at it all.”
Despite their previous encounter,Brook admitted he’s unable to predict a clear winner. “It should be a really good fight, but I can’t pick a winner. It’s to close.”
Adding further weight to Zerafa’s credentials is former world champion Jeff Horn, who has faced Zerafa twice in the ring. Their rivalry produced two memorable bouts totaling 19 rounds, with Zerafa scoring a stunning upset in their first encounter in 2019, stopping Horn and handing him a significant defeat. Horn later avenged the loss in a closely contested rematch.
Horn readily agreed that Zerafa’s controversial persona sometimes overshadows his boxing ability.”That’s fair,” he stated. “He’s a good boxer, he’s fit and definitely one of the best guys to watch out there at the moment. He’s got a good jab, he moves well – he does everything well. I definitely underestimated him the first time I fought him. He hit me with some good shots.”
Looking ahead to Tszyu’s challenge, Horn offered pointed advice: “Be smart. I feel like if Nikita is to win this one he’ll have to be smart and not go in all guns blazing like he sometimes likes to do. He sometimes gets caught in a gun fight. I don’t think he should make this a gun fight this time.”
Zerafa’s recent experience includes a second-round stoppage loss to Cuban southpaw Erislandy Lara in a world title bout. Horn believes Tszyu’s southpaw stance could present a unique challenge for Zerafa.”He’ll be watchful, I guess,” horn said. “I’m sure he’s versed other southpaws that he has been able to take care of pretty comfortably, but that last knockout against Lara might give him nightmares.”
Ultimately, Horn leans towards a Zerafa victory, albeit a tough one to predict.”It’s really captivating. I think it will be caution at the beginning, for a round or two, and then I think there will be moves from both of them.there may be a bit of a sprint in there to see if they can catch the other with good shots. I feel like they both want to see blood in this one and get the other one out of there. I think Zerafa will win – I’m not sure how.Maybe decision. I think he will be a little bit better than Nikita in there. It’s a tough one to pick, though.”
Fans can order the fight now with Main Event on Kayo Sports, alongside the professional debut of Nelson Asofa-Solomona.
