Michael Zerafa calls out Tim Tszyu ahead of his return to the ring in Las Vegas

Michael Zerafa has called out Tim Tszyu as he prepares for a world-title tilt that could pave the way for the bitter rivals to finally step into the ring against each other.

Michael Zerafa is chasing a fight against Tim Tszyu. Picture: Louis Grasse/Getty Images

Michael Zerafa says he is Tim Tszyu’s “kryptonite” as he prepares for a world-title tilt that could pave the way for the bitter rivals to finally settle the biggest feud in Australian boxing.

Zerafa and Tszyu crossed paths on Thursday ahead of a public unveiling of fighters ahead of Sunday’s inaugural Amazon Prime show headlined by the Tszyu-Sebastian Fundora blockbuster at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.

While Tszyu is the main event, it is also Zerafa’s time to shine, with the Melbourne mauler to face the classy Erislandy Lara (29-3-3) for the WBA middleweight world title.

The duo may be flying the flag in Sin City on a historic weekend for Australian boxing, but Zerafa hopes world-title glory could be the key that ultimately unlocks a domestic multi-belt superfight with Tszyu.

Tszyu eventually plans to move up to middleweight and Zerafa says victory over Lara would give him serious bargaining power to entice the son of Kostya into finally settling scores.

The ‘Pretty Boy’ copped death threats after he sensationally pulled out of his fight against Tszyu in July 2021, but he rubbished suggestions he is running scared, saying his Aussie rival would get a shock at middleweight.

BOXING: Tszyu v Fundora + Zerafa v Lara LIVE from Las Vegas | SUN 31 MAR 11AM AEDT | Exclusive to Main Event, order on Kayo Sports. No Kayo subscription needed.

Tim Tszyu and Michael Zerafa were poised to fight each other in 2021. Picture: Getty Images

“That’s a fight I definitely want,” Zerafa said of Tszyu.

“Every fighter has their kryptonite and I’m Tim Tszyu’s kryptonite.

“I feel like when I’m in his presence, he is very uncomfortable. He gets lost for words and he is awkward around me.

“We don’t need each other really in our careers, but if I win a world title, then I’d love to see Tim come up to middleweight and let’s fight for the belts.

“He thinks he can beat me, but I know I can beat him. He has to come up to ‘160’ (middleweight division) so I will have the size advantage.

“Tim seems to find his balls when I’m not in sight. When I face him in a room, he is suddenly a different person.

“Anyway, it won’t take away my support for him as Australians. I don’t have to like Tim as a person, but as a fighter I respect his ability and I both hope we get the wins and maybe one day we can have an Aussie super fight.

“We both have big objectives, but if all the lines lead to us fighting one day, I won’t shy away from that and he won’t either.”

The jury is out on Zerafa.

It’s been 491 days since he last fought, an uninspiring win over Danilo Creati in November 2022, and there are fears he will suffer ring rust against the dangerous Lara, who has lost just once in the last 10 years.

The biggest boxing feuds take place well away from the squared circle, reveal @1bbradfo, @JamiePandaram and @badel_cmail.
https://t.co/8tFKMnsdQ9

— CODE Combat (@codecombatau) March 24, 2024

How long will it take for Zerafa to dust off the cobwebs? Picture: Getty Images

But Zerafa believes his time is now. Lara turns 41 next month. At 32, the kid from Craigieburn says he is at the perfect age on boxing’s biggest stage.

“Lara is very beatable,” Zerafa said.

“He is very slick, so this is a huge test for me, but the last few fights I’ve seen a different Lara. I think his style suits me perfectly and this is the fight where I will showcase my ability. If he makes mistakes, I need to capitalise on it.

“He is still super fit for his age. I just feel like my workrate and my work ethic will be the difference. I feel like I can capitalise later in the fight.

“I love knowing I have done the work.

“I’ve left nothing in the tank for this. There’s no excuses with injuries. Winning a world title would fulfil a boyhood dream.”