‘He quit’ - Koen Mazoudier hits out at Michael Zerafa ahead of Nikita Tszyu showdown

Koen Mazoudier has two of Australia’s top super-welterweights in his sights as he plots his path towards a world title.

Koen Mazoudier challenges Nikita Tszyu for the Australian super-welterweight title. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Nikita Tszyu. Michael Zerafa. They can all get it.

That’s Sydney fighter Koen Mazoudier’s message as he prepares for his Australian super-welterweight showdown with Tszyu at the ICC Sydney on August 28.

Mazoudier promises to be the toughest test of Tszyu’s career, and a win could set up another domestic blockbuster against Zerafa, who Mazoudier says quit in his world title fight with Erislandy Lara in March.

A cult hero on the Australian boxing scene, Mazoudier has been in some of the most exciting domestic bouts of the last four years.

He’s a mainstay on undercards featuring Tim and Nikita Tszyu, Paul Gallen and Sam Goodman, and finally gets his chance to top the billing in August.

With plans of one day fighting for world titles on the world stage, Mazoudier headlines his first pay-per-view card on August 28, with Zerafa in the co-main event against 41-year-old Tommy Browne.

Mazoudier (R) has been in some of the best domestic fights of the last five years. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

It’s Mazoudier’s long and arduous road to the top billing that makes what he saw when Zerafa fought Lara so frustrating.

On the undercard to Tim Tszyu’s world title bloodbath against Sebastian Fundora, Zerafa was stopped in the second round.

“I hate to say it, and I don’t like talking down on other fighters – especially Aussie fighters – but watching that fight really pissed me off,” Mazoudier told this masthead. “Before he got hit, he was s****ing his pants, and by the time he hit the ground he was already shaking his head.

“In my book, that’s quitting.

“I don’t want to be ‘poor me’, victim mentality, but I’ve been against the grain my whole career.

“And to see someone get to that level, that stage, and not put their whole soul and everything they’ve got into it, it just baffles me.

“But, everyone’s got their own demons.”

Michael Zerafa fought for a world title in March. Picture: Steve Marcus/Getty Images

Mazoudier added he was offered a fight with Zerafa in 2022, but the “Pretty Boy” – who is one of the most polarising fighters in Australia – turned it down.

“I don’t not like Zerafa – I think he’s probably a good bloke – but I think he’s someone with a lot of fear and doubt within himself, and that’s where all the crap comes from,” Mazoudier said.

“I respect all fighters, and he’s had some amazing wins on the world level, but I think he’s got a lot of fear and doubt and that comes out as an angry little kid.”

Zerafa signed a three-fight deal with No Limit with the goal of eventually fighting Nikita.

Mazoudier wants to derail those plans by beating Tszyu, before setting up his own bout with Zerafa.

Nikita Tszyu (R) defended his Australian title against Danilo Creati in April. Picture: No Limit Boxing

First though, he must upset the odds against Tszyu in ‘The Butcher’s’ second Australian title defence.

Tszyu won the title against Dylan Biggs in November after being dropped in the opening round, and defended it against Danilo Creati in April.

Mazoudier was ringside for the Creati fight, and is adamant he’s on another level.

“Definitely. I’m certain of it, if I’m really being honest with you,” he said when asked if this will be Nikita’s hardest fight yet.

“He beat Danilo up pretty easy in his last fight. But the fact Danilo was there with him for 10 rounds, landing shots and making it difficult told me a lot.

“I see Danilo as someone who loves the lights, but doesn’t have his heart in the sport like I do.

“I’ve sacrificed so much, man, and I continue to do so.”

Originally published as ‘He quit’ - Koen Mazoudier hits out at Michael Zerafa ahead of Nikita Tszyu showdown