Nikita Tszyu has ruled out any future bout with Michael Zerafa and suggested his fellow Australian should consider retirement following their controversial no contest in Brisbane. The fight was stopped early in the third round after an accidental clash of heads left Zerafa with a cut above his left eye, which drew scrutiny and frustration from Tszyu’s camp.
Speaking a week after the bout, Tszyu said he has no interest in granting the rematch Zerafa requested, explaining that he believes Zerafa “took the easy way out.” Tszyu added that he remains unconvinced by claims of a fractured eye socket or retinal damage and said he would need to see medical proof before believing such assertions. His manager Glenn Jennings and promoter No Limit have also questioned the value of revisiting the matchup.
Tszyu described the outcome as a major disappointment, particularly given the work he put into camp and the opportunity he felt was taken away from him. He said the ending left him feeling “robbed,” but also made it clear that he has mentally moved on, stating that the rivalry is finished and that “the bridges have been broken.”
In blunt terms, Tszyu advised Zerafa to step away from the sport altogether. He said Zerafa has had a long career and nothing left to prove, but questioned whether he is still mentally suited for boxing after repeated controversies. Tszyu added that Zerafa’s reputation now makes him a liability for potential opponents and promoters.
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