Australian boxer Nikita Tszyu has launched a scathing attack on opponent Michael Zerafa, accusing him of a shameful exit that robbed Tszyu of proving his worth in the ring. The much-anticipated domestic clash ended in a controversial no contest in Brisbane last Friday night, leaving Tszyu bitterly disappointed.
Tszyu's Stinging Criticism of Zerafa's Actions
Speaking to reporters in Sydney on Friday, Tszyu did not mince words about how the fight concluded. "There was a small option of an escape and he took it," Tszyu stated bluntly. "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'. He knew the ramifications of it all, he's an experienced veteran."
Tszyu elaborated further on his perception of Zerafa's mindset during the bout. "I don't think he was looking for it, but once he saw it, he couldn't un-see it." This comment suggests Tszyu believes Zerafa seized upon a chance to avoid continuing the fight when it presented itself.
The Controversial Ending in Brisbane
The hyped Australian showdown descended into chaos when the referee declared a no contest after an accidental head clash left Zerafa with a cut eye. Television microphones captured Zerafa complaining about vision problems, and he later claimed to have suffered a fractured eye socket.
Tszyu expressed skepticism about the severity of Zerafa's injury. "My ass it was shattered," he retorted. "A fractured eye socket, that puffs up instantly and his eye was good for a while. I saw him in the change rooms, his eye looked all right."
A Personal Letdown and Missed Opportunity
For Tszyu, the outcome represented more than just an unsatisfactory conclusion to a fight. He described it as "a big let-down" and confirmed he felt robbed. "I do. In, like, a very shameful way. A lot of work went into that and it was just taken away. It was the biggest opportunity for me to really show myself, prove myself to the world."
The boxer emphasized the significance of this missed chance, highlighting how much preparation had gone into the bout and what it meant for his career trajectory.
Future Plans and Retirement Advice
When asked about a potential rematch with Zerafa, Tszyu was unequivocal in ruling it out. Instead, he focused on his own path forward. "We're just planning on moving forward, getting that world ranking higher and higher to get that inevitable world title in the end. We don't have a time frame when that is going to happen, but that is all we're building towards."
Despite uncertainty about his immediate schedule, Tszyu was crystal clear about what he believes Zerafa should do next. He openly called for his opponent's retirement from the sport. "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. 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."
This strong recommendation adds another layer to the ongoing controversy surrounding the Brisbane bout and highlights the personal stakes involved for both fighters.
