Australian boxing bad boy Michael Zerafa has declared a Nikita Tszyu rematch could absolutely be part of the “fireworks” coming after inking a shock new deal with heavyweight UK promoter Eddie Hearn.
The surprise statement comes as Zerafa has also explained why longtime rival Tim Tszyu can stop American superstar Errol Spence Jnr on July 26 — and why Australian Hall of Famer Jeff Fenech shapes as the key to victory.
Only six months on from his controversial ‘No Contest’ finish against the younger Tszyu sibling, Zerafa has opened up to Fox Sports Australia about signing a four-fight contract with Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing stable.
Tszyu v Spence Jr. | Sunday July 26 from 11am AEST | Tim Tszyu takes on the biggest name in his career so far – future hall-of-famer Errol Spence Jr, in a can’t miss event for boxing fans around the world. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.
The Melburnian is also keen to get straight into action with the new promoter, agreeing to appear as the co-main on Matchroom’s upcoming Gold Coast card on August 12 card — which will be headlined by undefeated Australian heavyweight prospect Teremoana Teremoana.
While no opponent has yet been named for Zerafa, Teremoana will face American knockout artist DeAndre Savage.
Zerafa also revealed that, during contract discussions, Hearn had stated how a rematch between himself and Nikita seemed obvious following all the drama surrounding their initial ‘No Contest’ in January.
And given Matchroom has now struck up a new Australian broadcasting deal, which includes promoting seven live shows Down Under across a year, Zerafa suggested another crack at Tszyu could also be part of a blueprint that also includes him getting one more world title shot.
Asked about the new Matchroom deal on Monday, Zerafa cackled: “Eddie Hearn has said ‘the bad boy of Australian boxing is back’.
“And personally, I can’t wait.
“Because I’m a fighter who always turns heads. Yes, sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad, but we make noise and now I have one more run at a world title … this is my last chance and I’m ready to prove that I’m not done.
“Ready to show that one bad night isn’t going to define my career.
“I know more recently, some people have forgotten the things I’ve achieved in this sport, forgotten the people I’ve fought.
“So I want to come onto this new platform and make a statement.
“I’m the A side now.
“I f***ing bashed all his fighters” | 00:59
“I first worked with Eddie Hearn against Kell Brook and we’ve always kept in contact. And now again Matchroom are promising me fireworks and I can’t wait.”
Back in January, Zerafa made headlines after his all-Australian blockbuster against Nikita Tszyu was sensationally stopped in only the third round – and after the Melburnian revealed to a ringside physician that he was unable to see after an accidental head clash.
Zerafa confirmed he and Hearn had discussed the incident during negotiations.
“And first thing Eddie said to me was ‘that happens all the time’,” Zerafa said of the fight being stopped over a cut. “He then went on to say how all these different fighters have been cut like that and how, if anything, it should’ve built for a much bigger fight between myself and Nikita.
“But unfortunately, people just didn’t put the fight straight back on. They played around with the rematch idea too long. There were a lot of games, a lot of publicity stunts, things that shouldn’t have been done. And I wasn’t waiting around …”
However, given Hearn has already confirmed interest in working with No Limit under his new Australian deal, including a potential 5V5 showdown between stables, Zerafa agreed a rematch could still take place in the next year.
“There is unfinished business between Nikita and I, of course,” he shrugged. “And personally, I’ve always felt like the rematch could be huge
“So listen, you never say never.
“And if moving forward it makes sense, I’m sure both of us will take it.”
Paro overcomes Crocker for world title | 05:30
Elsewhere, Zerafa also explained why he believes Tim Tszyu can finish Spence in their own Sydney showdown later this month.
“I’m in Tim Tszyu’s corner,” Zerafa stressed of his longtime rival. “Which may sound crazy, I know.
“But if we aren’t fighting, as a fellow Aussie I want him to win. It’s that simple.
“So I am hoping Tim goes out there and makes a statement in this fight. And I really believe he can.
“Errol Spence is obviously a bad man. And I’m a big fan.
“But I think with Tim now being trained by Jeff Fenech, in this fight that will play a key role.
“I know some people are saying it’s a bad move, but I disagree. I think structurally, Jeff will have the right game plan up his sleeve …”
And as for as the fight itself?
“First four rounds will be close and competitive,” Zerafa continued. “But with Tim’s pressure and activity I think he gets the win.
“And if the Tim Tszyu rocks up that fought against Tony Harrison, or even Joey Spencer? If he brings that real dominant pressure I do think he gets it done in the later rounds.”
Elsewhere, Zerafa stressed Hearn has already drawn up a pathway to winning gold.
Currently, Zerafa is ranked at No.4 in the WBO middleweight division, and No.6 with the WBA, although was finished quickly by champ Erislandy Lara back in 2024.
Tszyu v Spence Jr. | Sunday July 26 from 11am AEST | Tim Tszyu takes on the biggest name in his career so far – future hall-of-famer Errol Spence Jr, in a can’t miss event for boxing fans around the world. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.
Errol Spence Jr. introduced to vegemite! | 00:46
“I can’t say too much about what is coming,” the fighter said. “But there have been some massive opportunities promised – including a world title shot – so it is definitely exciting times.
“When we were talking they asked ‘are you ready to go?’. I said ‘mate, I could fight tonight’.
“So they’ve put me straight onto a card in August.
“They want to get me moving.
“And my dream remains the same, to become a world champion.
“I know I’ve fallen short previously and I blame myself for that, just at time was my preparation I’ve stayed in camp too long and been overdone.
“But now, with a proper structure in place, a proper team around me now – which Matchroom have sorted – it puts me back in line for that world title dream. I want the big fights.”