TIM TSZYU may already have a world title defence planned should he beat Sebastian Fundora on July 19.
Having been stripped of his WBO super-welterweight title, Fundora will defend his WBC championship against the Australian 16 months after their first battle. Fundora became unified champion that night in one of the bloodiest fights seen in recent years. Since then, the 6ft 5½ins “Towering Inferno” has fought once, sweeping aside Chordale Booker in March.
Tszyu, 25-2 (18 KOs), is 1-1 in his last two fights. A shattering third-round loss to Bakhram Murtazaliev in October 2024 was a humiliating setback. Tszyu returned to familiar territory in Australia last time out, delivering a powerful winning display against Joseph Spencer.
Tszyu’s long-time Australian rival Michael Zerafa, 33-5 (21 KOs), now claims that the two will meet should Tszyu win his rematch next month.
“So while I won’t say they’ve cornered Tim Tszyu, I’ve definitely been presented with the path to beating him,” he told Fox Sports Australia.
There is one catch, however. Zerafa must first beat Tim’s younger brother Nikita, 10-0 (8 KOs), later this year.
“So the only way myself and Tim don’t fight is if Nikita beats me,” Zerafa said.
“I’ve got the contract right here at home. I fight an undefeated international opponent in August, then it’s Nikita Tszyu in late November or early December. Then once I beat Nikita, all roads lead to Tim.”
The Tszyu-Zerafa rivalry has been long-standing, yet to be settled. Four years ago, the pair were set to meet in Newcastle, Australia, but the all-Australian grudge match was cancelled. Since then, Zerafa has won five and lost one, the sole defeat coming against Cuban Erislandy Lara, who successfully defended his WBA middleweight title against Zerafa with an early second-round knockout.
Now 33, Zerafa says there is no one left for him to fight in Australia other than the Tszyus.
“Everyone else I’ve either beaten or it doesn’t make sense.”
“Pretty Boy” Zerafa also dismissed the threat of Nikita should they meet this year.
“Honestly, the guy has been questionable in every fight he’s had,” he said. “Fighters that I’m levels above have hurt him and nearly stopped him. Fighters I’ve beaten comfortably have nearly stopped him. This is going to be a big step up for him.”
