Nikita Tszyu: I was unfairly treated by Zerafa.
Nikita Tszyu claims he was denied the chance to demonstrate his boxing abilities in a disgraceful manner by Michael Zerafa during their absurd match.
Tszyu asserts that Zerafa should consider retiring from boxing following their encounter, which concluded as a no contest in Brisbane last Friday night.
“There was a slight opportunity for an exit, and he took it,” Tszyu informed reporters in Sydney on Friday.
I genuinely believed that once the initial chance arose, he recognized the escape route and thought, ‘yes, while I still can, it will be a no contest.’
“He understood the consequences of it all; he is a seasoned veteran.
“I don’t think he was actively seeking it, but once he noticed it, he couldn’t ignore it.”
The highly anticipated matchup between the Australians ended in chaos when the fight was ruled a no contest after Zerafa sustained a cut above his eye due to an accidental head clash.
Zerafa was overheard by television microphones expressing that he couldn’t see, and later mentioned he had a fractured eye socket.
“A fractured eye socket, which swells immediately, and his eye appeared fine for a while.
“I saw him in the locker room; his eye looked okay.”
Tszyu characterized the outcome as “a significant disappointment.”
When asked if he felt cheated, he responded: “I do. In, like, a very disgraceful manner.
“A considerable amount of effort went into that, and it was simply taken away.
“It was the greatest opportunity for me to truly showcase myself, to prove my worth to the world.”
“We’re just focused on progressing, elevating that world ranking to ultimately achieve that inevitable world title,” he stated.
“We do not have a specific timeline for when that will occur, but that is our ultimate goal.”
However, he was clear about what Zerafa’s future should entail: retirement.
“He has had a commendable career and accomplished much in the sport,” Tszyu remarked.
“But I just don’t believe he is mentally present anymore – and there is no shame in that; it simply happens.
“This sport is the toughest for a reason. While you still have your mental faculties and health, it’s best to step away … step away while you can.”
