There are fears the Tim Tszyu’s next blockbuster fight won’t happen after a mystery injury to opponent Michael Zerafa.
A press conference earlier this month announced the pair will settle their disputes on July 7. Tszyu was ready to put his WBO global super welterweight title on the line.
The sold-out fight is now in chaos with Zerafa’s team admitting their fighter won’t be available because of a new injury. The camp claims the exact nature of the injury remains unclear despite Zerafa checking himself into the hospital.
The 29-year-old Victorian trainer Sam Labruna says the fight won’t happen if Zerafa does not recover in time.
Labruna said, “I’ve spoken to his partner and he’s in a lot of pain, he’s been throwing up and everything. He’s not right. I’m not going to put him in there if he’s not right. If he’s not sparring and training, we won’t be fighting, that’s for sure.”
Tim Tszyu and Michael Zerafa face off to the media during a press conference at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on May 11, 2021 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Peter Lorimer/Getty Images)
Tszyu’s decision to fight Zerafa is the result of him losing out on the world title shot.
His knockout win over Dennis Hogan in March strengthened his claim to be the next in line to fight Brian Castano or Jermell Charlo for the unified super welterweight titles.
Tszyu shared his thoughts regarding the injury reports of his opponents.
He said, “If it is a rib injury he needs to make sure he recovers quickly. I want to wish him a speedy recovery. We’re seven weeks out, they’re not going to cancel the fight this far out, he’s got plenty of time to recover.”
Aussie legend Tim Tszyu has been on a tear as an 18-0 fighter, earning his spot as the presumed No. 1 contender for the unified WBO, IBF, WBA, and WBC super welterweight world titles.
