Tim Tszyu trolls boxing rival Michael Zerafa with savage prank call
Aussie boxing star Tim Tszyu has proved he is as petty as they come when he trolled rival Michael Zerafa with a savage prank call.
Tim Tszyu doesn’t forget.
The Australian boxing star has reminded his long time foe Michael Zerafa there is no love lost between them with a savage phone call prank.
Zerafa is headlining a boxing card in Sydney on Wednesday night that will feature the rematch between Paul Gallen and Justin Hodges.
Watch Gallen v Hodges 2 & Michael Zerafa’s return to the ring LIVE on Main Event available on Foxtel & Kayo Sports, Wednesday November 23 from 7pm AEDT ORDER NOW >
Zerafa (30-4) had been engaging in some verbal warfare with his opponent Danilo Creati at the pre-fight press conference when Gallen, who was sitting next to him, received a phone call from Tszyu.
With his phone to his ear, Gallen said: “Timmy’s watching. I’m going to give him a wave.
“Timmy wants to know if you’re going to turn up to this one. He just wants to make sure you turn up.”
The cheeky dig was in reference to Zerafa pulling out of his much-anticipated fight against Tszyu last year at the 11th hour because his camp was concerned about strict Covid pandemic rules in Newcastle.
“Tszyu, there we go. From one idiot to the next,” Zerafa said in response to Tszyu’s prank call.
“I’ll turn up mate, don’t worry.”
It was an impressively petty act considering Tszyu was in Melbourne for a Kayo Sports publicity event while Zerafa’s press conference was being held in Sydney.
“He said he’s going to turn up,” said Gallen, who was relishing the antics.
“I’ll have a good chat to him.
“That’s not me trying to pick a fight with him (Zerafa) either. Timmy just called. I’ll put in on silent, sorry.”
Zerafa is the No. 1 ranked middleweight fighter in the world and could face boxing legend Gennady Golovkin next year for the WBA middleweight title.
Tszyu is preparing for a blockbuster world title fight against Jermell Charlo in Las Vegas in January and will become the undisputed superwelterweight champion if he wins.
Tszyu has repeatedly said he has no plans to fight Zerafa, but the 30-year-old believes the two Aussie rivals will face off in the ring one day.
“Tell him I’ll be turning up to his fight and helping him get picked up once Charlo knocks him out,” Zerafa said.
“We’ll definitely cross paths. He knows that. I know that. He knows there was more to the situation for why the fight didn’t happen.
“I’m blessed to be back and like I said, once he gets knocked out by Charlo he’s got to come back and build himself up. I’ll be winning Wednesday and I’ve got my world title fight in March. I’m here, I’m ready to go.
Zerafa said he isn’t offended that the fight card has been sold around Gallen’s last ever fight, which isn’t the main event.
He said: “It’s good. No Limit’s the best promotion in Australia and it’s good to be back once and for all.
“This is where I belong — as the main event. Not this football brawl like a Coles carpark.
“I’m the main event and there’s a reason why I’m the main event and I’m going to take care of business on Wednesday night.
Also appearing on the fight card will be former Roosters enforcer Siosiua Taukeiaho.
When is it on what time does it start?
Coverage of the fight card begins at 7pm on Wednesday night on Main Event and Kayo Sports.
Timing isn’t an exact science in boxing and with this jam-packed card, Gallen, Hodges and Zerafa may not step in the ring until after 9 or 10pm.
How can I watch the fights?
This is a pay-per-view fight card, available to watch on Main Event or stream via Kayo Sports.
You can purchase the PPV for $59.95 here.
Where is the fight card being held?
The fight card will take place at the Aware Super Threatre, ICC in Sydney.
FULL FIGHT CARD
Michael Zerafa vs. Danilo Creati — middleweight
Paul Gallen vs. Justin Hodges — heavyweight
Paulo Aokuso vs. David Zegarra — light-heavyweight
Siosiua Taukeiaho vs Jaiman Lowe — heavyweight
Ty Telford vs. Joel Taylor — welterweight
Liam Talivaa vs. Louis Marsters — heavyweight
Daniel Suluka-Fifita vs. Bryce Jones — heavyweight
Shanell Dargan vs. Chandni Mehra — featherweight
Tommy Browne vs. Jorge Kapeen — super-welterweight
Micky Pengue vs. Ben Hussain — super-welterweight
George Peterson vs. Gary Phillips — heavyweight
Tywarna Campbell vs. Deanha Hobbs — super-featherweight
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