Australian boxer Michael Zerafa has issued a public apology as he battles to salvage his career and a potential big-money rematch with Nikita Tszyu, following the dramatic and controversial stoppage of their highly anticipated bout last Friday night.
The Controversial Stoppage
The fight between Zerafa and Tszyu was abruptly declared a 'no decision' before the start of the third round, sparking immediate outrage from fans and the Tszyu camp. The chaotic first two rounds featured several accidental head clashes, after which Zerafa repeatedly told the ringside doctor, 'I can't see'.
Officials informed the jeering crowd that the fight was halted due to an 'accidental head butt'. The controversy deepened during Zerafa's post-fight interview in the ring, where he appeared to change his story, stating his vision was 'blurry, but all good. Let's go.' He also defended himself to the hostile audience, saying, 'I don't know why everyone's booing me. I didn't stop it, the doctor stopped it. It's not my fault.'
Zerafa's Lengthy Apology and Explanation
On Tuesday, Zerafa released a detailed statement in an attempt to address the fallout and clarify his actions. 'I want to acknowledge that what I said was wrong and apologise,' he wrote. He admitted his choice of words was poor and did not reflect his values, attributing it to the high adrenaline and raw emotions immediately after the fight.
While taking full responsibility, Zerafa sought to explain the situation from his perspective. He insisted that during the post-fight interview, his eyesight was genuinely blurry and that he believed he was accurately describing his vision at the time. He revealed that subsequent medical observations recorded his vision at 6/20, confirming an issue, but he conceded his phrasing was a mistake.
The boxer also opened up about the personal toll of sustained criticism within the boxing community, stating, 'The judgement, misinformation and ongoing treatment I've experienced... has taken a toll over time.' He emphasised that while this context explained the emotional weight behind his reaction, it did not excuse his error.
Fighting for a Future and a Rematch
Zerafa's apology is seen as a crucial move to mend fences with fans, promoters, and the Tszyu family to keep his career on track. The potential for a lucrative rematch with Nikita Tszyu remains a significant motivator, but the path forward is now fraught with reputational damage to repair.
In his statement, Zerafa concluded by focusing on accountability over lengthy explanation: 'My team and I considered going into greater detail, but ultimately felt that accountability matters more than explanation. What's important is owning my mistake and committing to doing better moving forward.' The boxing world now waits to see if this apology is enough to secure his next shot in the ring.
