What was billed as one of the most bitter domestic rivalries in Australian boxing ended in frustration and controversy, as Nikita Tszyu vs. Michael Zerafa was ruled a no contest after just six minutes and three seconds at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. A sold-out crowd expecting a 10-round war instead watched the fight collapse following an accidental head clash that opened a severe cut above Zerafa’s left eye.
The bout had started at a furious pace, with both men standing their ground through two intense rounds. Momentum was abruptly halted when a clinch in the second round led to a clash of heads, leaving Zerafa badly cut. At the start of the third, Zerafa complained of blurred vision while receiving medical attention, and referee Chris Condon stopped the contest on the advice of the ringside doctor.
Watch the official fight highlights.
Zerafa defended his actions afterward, insisting the stoppage was beyond his control and expressing willingness to run the fight back. Tszyu, however, was far less sympathetic, questioning his rival’s resolve and describing the outcome as another chapter in what he called a “cursed” rivalry.
The no contest only deepened the long-running animosity between the Tszyu family and Zerafa, dating back to a cancelled bout with Tim Tszyu in 2021. Tim Tszyu was scathing in his post-fight assessment, labeling Zerafa’s decision to seek medical help as “cowardly” and arguing that he should not be given another opportunity against his younger brother.
Promoter George Rose of No Limit Boxing admitted the outcome was disastrous after months of buildup, conceding frustration but stopping short of ruling out future plans.
Image Credit: No Limit Boxing