Police charge Zerafa’s brother with assault on wild Tszyu fight night

Police have charged the brother of boxer Michael Zerafa with assault after he punched a veteran trainer during wild scenes at a fight night in Sydney.

Nikita Tszyu kept his undefeated record (10 wins, eight knockouts) intact with a TKO victory against fellow Australian Koen Mazoudier at the ICC Sydney Theatre on Wednesday.

On the co-main event, Zerafa recorded a TKO victory of his own against Tommy Browne, who injured his biceps in the opening round and couldn’t come out for the second.

There was an ugly postscript to the result when words were exchanged between the corners before Zerafa’s brother, Jason-Manuel Zerafa, punched Browne’s trainer, Tommy Mercuri.

“A man has been charged following an alleged assault at a sporting event in Sydney last night,” NSW Police said in a statement.

“About 10pm yesterday (Wednesday 28 August 2024), police were patrolling a sporting event at a convention centre on Darling Drive, Sydney, when a 26-year-old man allegedly assaulted a 60-year-old man during the event.

Police are investigating a punch thrown by the brother of boxer Michael Zerafa.Credit: Main Event

“Officers intervened and went to the assistance of the older man, who suffered minor injuries which did not require treatment.

“Police commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Following inquiries, a 26-year-old man was arrested at 11am today (Thursday 29 August 2024) and taken to Mascot Police Station where he was charged with one count of common assault.

“He was granted conditional bail to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on Monday 23 September 2024.”

The incident was witnessed by thousands of boxing fans at the venue or watching the pay-per-view telecast on Main Event.

A spokesperson for the Combat Sports Authority of NSW said the incident is being investigated.

The victories by Tszyu and Zerafa have seemingly put the pair on a collision course in the ring. Nikita’s older brother, Tim, has vowed never to fight against Zerafa; the latter pulled out of a proposed bout in 2021, a move that enraged “The Soul Taker”.

While there are plans for Nikita Tszyu and Zerafa to fight next, the incident involving Jason-Manuel Zerafa - and a hand injury Nikita picked up in the win over Mazoudier - have cast a cloud over the match-up.

Jason-Manuel Zerafa took to Instagram to defend his actions.

“Cannot play the victim after attempting to attack a fighter,” Jason-Manuel Zerafa posted. “Tommy brownes (sic) corner attempting to attack @michael_zerafa after Michael got the Win, I did what ANY brother would’ve done.”

Mercuri told Fox Sports Australia Jason-Manuel Zerafa should be banned from the sport for the “dog shot”.

“Zerafa’s brother should be banned. Banned from every venue in Australia,” Mercuri said. “It’s ridiculous.”

No Limit chief executive George Rose, the promoter for Zerafa and the Tszyu families, said Jason-Manuel Zerafa has been hit with a life ban from their promotions.

“What happened last night is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated at any of our fight nights,” Rose said.

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