Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn offers Michael Zerafa world-title carrot in a move that could torpedo Tim Tszyu blockbuster

It is the biggest grudge match in Australian boxing in 20 years. Tim Tszyu versus Michael Zerafa. But their proposed bout could be derailed again after a shock poaching bid for Zerafa - which could deliver the outspoken pugilist a world title shot.

Michael Zerafa training at his gym before the planned fight with Tim Tsuzu. Picture: Tony Gough

One of world boxing’s biggest promoters has launched a shock poaching bid for Michael Zerara in a move that could derail his proposed Australian super fight against Tim Tszyu.

This masthead can reveal Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn has approached Zerafa (32-5) offering the Melbourne middleweight a British blockbuster against Liam Smith (33-4-1) in the New Year.

The fight would be the main event on a card in Liverpool on January 17, with Hearn telling Zerafa victory over ‘Beefy’ Smith would clinch another world-title shot.

Zerafa had verbally agreed to a three-fight deal with Australia’s No.1 promoters No Limit and the ‘Pretty Boy’ was in line to take on Tszyu following the latter’s savage world-title loss to Bakhram Murtazaliev last month in Orlando.

Michael Zerafa has been targeted by one of the world’s most powerful promoters.

But the most-awaited grudge match in Australian boxing is in jeopardy after Hearn’s overtures to Zerafa, who is leaning towards a showdown with Smith that could put him back in the world-title frame.

The 32-year-old will hold urgent talks with No Limit in the coming days to decide whether to target Tszyu or sign with Hearn in his 13-year mission to finally win a world title.

“Eddie Hearn has reached out to me offering the chance to fight Liam and eventually a world title,” Zerafa said.

“It’s a tough one because I’ve worked with No Limit and I like working with those guys, but career-wise this is a bigger opportunity.

“I’ve still got to sit down with No Limit and talk to them.

“I’m not going to go behind their backs and do anything that I shouldn’t because that’s not right.

“But at this point in time, it’s definitely a mouth-watering proposition from Eddie.

Tim Tszyu (left) and Michael Zerafa face-off in 2021 just weeks before the latter refused to fight due to Covid issues.

“He has offered me a multi-fight deal where if I beat Liam Smith, then I’ll secure a shot at a world title which is what every boxer wants.

“But I’ve also got it in the back of my mind the opportunity to fight Tim Tszyu because that would be the biggest fight in Australian boxing since Anthony Mundine-Danny Green (in 2006) and I’d love that fight.”

Zerafa made his No Limit debut on a card in August, defeating Tommy Browne, who tore his bicep in the first round, and that fight was viewed as a preamble to a twin showdown with the Tszyu brothers.

The initial plan was for Zerafa to fight Nikita Tsyzu, but the ‘Butcher’ suffered a broken hand on the same card against Koen Mazoudier and is on the mend.

Powerful Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has made Zerafa an offer he can’t refuse.

Nikita’s older brother Tim then suffered a shocking TKO loss to Murtazaliev in America, prompting No Limit to consider a change of plans by pitting the elder Tszyu against Zerafa for a domestic comeback fight.

There is a possibility Zerafa could sign with Hearn, fight Smith, beat the Briton, secure a world-title shot and, if successful, potentially lure Tim Tszyu to the table with a middleweight crown on the line.

Zerafa will make a definitive call this week and still remains hopeful he will one day face Tszyu after their initial blockbuster in July 2021 sensationally collapsed due to Covid travel dramas.

The Melburnian believes Tszyu could be having second thoughts after a brutal loss to Murtazaliev which may have dented his confidence with back-to-back losses.

“There’s no fear at my end, that’s a load of rubbish,” Zerafa said.

Tim Tszyu suffered a shock world-title loss to Bakhram Murtazaliev in October.

“I mean this is the fight Australians want to see and we have to settle the score eventually.

“I’m told those close to Tim’s circle don’t want the fight (against Zerafa) just yet because obviously I’m a risk.

“Tim would want a quick kill in his comeback fight. Despite him not liking me, he knows I would be a rough, hard fight.

“In saying that, I can’t keep waiting around for Tim Tszyu. I’ve got my own career, I’m still in the top 10 in the world, so I want to fight the best.”

Zerafa is confident he would dispose of Smith, who hasn’t fought since his 10th-round TKO loss to Chris Eubank Jr in September 2023.

“Liam Smith is a big name, but it’s a very winnable fight,” he said.

“Stylistically, he likes to walk forward, he’s tough.

“I think I can beat him and then secure myself with another world-title fight.”

Originally published as Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn offers Michael Zerafa world-title carrot in a move that could torpedo Tim Tszyu blockbuster