Nikita Tszyu has called for Michael Zerafa to retire from boxing after their fight ended in a no contest in Brisbane last Friday night. Tszyu expressed frustration, stating he was robbed of the opportunity to prove his worth in what he described as a shameful manner.
Speaking to reporters in Sydney on Friday, Tszyu claimed Zerafa took an easy way out when the fight was stopped due to an accidental head clash that caused a cut over Zerafa's eye. “There was a small option of an escape and he took it,” Tszyu said. “I honestly just thought that once the first opportunity came, that he saw the out, and was like ‘Yes, while I still can, it will be a no contest’.”
Zerafa was heard complaining he couldn't see and later said he had suffered a fractured eye socket. However, Tszyu questioned the severity of the injury, noting that the swelling did not appear immediately. “A fractured eye socket, that puffs up instantly and his eye was good for a while,” Tszyu remarked.
Tszyu ruled out a rematch with Zerafa and said he is focused on climbing the world rankings to eventually secure a world title. “We’re just planning on moving forward, getting that world ranking higher and higher to get that inevitable world title in the end,” he stated.
Regarding Zerafa's future, Tszyu was adamant that the veteran should retire. “He has had a great career, he has done a lot in the sport. But I just don’t think he’s mentally there anymore - and it’s nothing to be ashamed of, it just happens,” Tszyu said. “It’s the hardest sport for a reason. While you still have your brain cells, while you’re still healthy, get out ... get out while you can.”
