By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing
WBO 154 pound interim champion Tim Tszyu’s promoter Matt Rose says WBA #1 middleweight Michael Zerafa rejected an offer to clash with Tszyu in June.
“I can confirm there was a recent approach again for Zerafa to fight Tim for his next fight before Charlo,” Rose told News Corp. ‘Unfortunately, the approach was turned down…this was a world-title opportunity. Tim has the world title after beating Tony Harrison and it would have been a massive fight for Australian boxing. It was in the preliminary stage, we were looking at possible opponents and Zerafa was the one guy on the list. Tim wasn’t aware of the offer but would have taken the fight no problems…how much longer can Zerafa keep avoiding Tim?”
Zerafa’s manager reportedly denied that an offer to fight Tszyu was received.
Zerafa in 2!
Why doesn’t Tim offer to fight him at 160? Zerafa doesn’t want to make 154. Tim could challenge Golovkin at 160 too. Golovkin is going to retire unless something interesting is offered soon.
It wouldn’t matter what weight they fight at, Zerafa would get destroyed.
Delusional people. You win a world title, when you WIN a world title. Not winning an ‘interim’ title. This was not a ‘world title opportunity’. I respect Tszyu for beating Harrison. He did better than I expected, although Harrison’s best days are behind him. True boxing fans see through you talk ‘world title opportunity’ when it’s an interim. Tim doesn’t have the world title. If he beats Charlo, that’s a different story.
You are exactly correct. We always complain about the many problems in boxing, but one of the biggest problems is ignorant fans that can’t separate reality from alphabet nonsense.
What title you got Richard? I’ll give you one if you like
Technically Tszyu won a world title, the term “interim” does not diminish the achievement in any way.
I don’t blame him for turning it down. RIDICULOUSLY, Zerafa is ranked #1 by the WBA at 160 and #2 by the IBF for a vacant belt. So he can either fight Erislandy Lara or he can fight Esquiva Falcao for a full title and he doesn’t have to make 154, if that’s a problem for him. Neither one probably pays as well as fighting TT at home, but if he wins (and he won’t), that would make the Tszyu fight even bigger down the line.
Zerafa is massively overrated, he knows Tszyu is knocking him out if he’s even brave enough to get in the ring with him.
Zerafa won’t go down to 154 being at the door of an opportunity at 160 real world title, so, if they really want a good fight for Tim Tszyu, why they don’t try Jesus Ramos?
Ramos is not a good fight for Tszyu, Ramos is overrated. Liam “beefy” Smith or that other Russian would be better opponents for Tszyu.
Well I think it’s just bullshit, Zarafa is fighting for a 160 lb title soon and he and his team would of been in the throes of negotiation prior. So why would he be tempted?
Well apparently Zerafa wants to fight Tszyu, that’s what he’s always saying but when it comes time to front up and fight he has ready made excuses.
Either Tszyu moves up to 160 or stay within his 154lb parameters. I’m with Tszyu in wanting to stay busy but I don’t blame Michael Zerafa. Let Tszyu finish his business at 154 and if he wants to see Zerafa at a later time so be it.
Zerafa is going to serve as a glorified punching bag for Tszyu if they ever meet, my guess is Zerafa will continue to run his mouth while ducking Tszyu at every opportunity.
Full world title still pretty meaningless when there are so many of them. If the best fight the best nobody will care about them.
This is a dumb move by team Tszyu. I know Tim is rearing to go and doesn’t want to lose his momentum, but he could blow the Charlo shot. If he doesn’t have a signed contract my mid May or early June for a Charlo bout, then it’s okay to make a fight. But, for now (again Tim) sit tight and be patient.
It’s not dumb at all, Charlo is saying September and Tim wants to stay sharp. Zerafa is not risk at all for Tszyu he’d barely break a sweat.