‘Extra spice to dish’: Tszyu thrives on Zerafa pressure
Joel Gould |
Nikita Tszyu says he feels privileged to honour his family name and be the one to get his hands on Michael Zerafa in the ultimate boxing grudge showdown.
The fighters clash at Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Friday night to settle a feud that has been simmering ever since Zerafa was a late withdrawal from a fight with Nikita’s older brother Tim Tszyu in 2021.
A war of words between the camps has escalated since but super-welterweight Tszyu (11-0, 9KO) and middleweight Zerafa (34-5, 22KO) will meet in the middle of their weight divisions on neutral territory to settle scores.
Including the brothers’ legendary father Kostya, the Tszyu family hasn’t lost on Australian soil in 53 fights. Nikita intends to make it 54.
“There’s been a lot of noise with Zerafa and the Tszyu name and I feel privileged I am the one that gets to put my hands on him,” Tszyu told AAP.
“I don’t like anyone I am fighting because I can picture them trying to take away food from my family and they are trying to hurt me. There is no love in this boxing world but he adds extra spice to the dish.”
Undefeated Tszyu is confident of victory and said Zerafa would have no excuses after the pair clash.
“We did meet in the middle with everything, from the weight to the city,” Tszyu said.
“We were supposed to fight in November but he had an injury. Then it was December and then he requested January. I wanted to make sure he was in full health and the best condition so there can’t be any excuses when I get to beat him.
“The only pressure I feel is from myself and I do put a lot of pressure on myself. It makes me a better fighter and a better athlete. I know what is at stake and I have had a great preparation.”
The two fighters engaged in open workout sessions at PCYC Lang Park on Tuesday, watched on by boxing legend Anthony Mundine.
A lot has been said but Zerafa said the Friday night showdown would put all the claims and counter-claims to bed.
“It’s a huge fight with a lot of animosity in the buildup,” Zerafa told AAP.
“It has been five years in the making so it will be good to settle it all once and for all.”
Mundine said he slightly favoured Zerafa in a fight he predicted would be fought on a knife’s edge.
“There’s history there, there’s emotion there, and that always makes for a great fight,” Mundine said.
“I edge it to Michael because of the experience and the vision at that level. But the kid’s got power. One punch can change everything. That’s boxing.
“I think it’s a 50-50 fight. Experience versus youth, skill versus power. That’s what makes it exciting.”
AAP
