Zerafa says the bout as a reflection of where he believes he currently stands in his career, placing emphasis on preparation and clarity rather than reputation. “I feel like this is the best Michael Zerafa you will see,” he said. “Nikita is hot and cold. Sometimes he’s on sometimes he’s off and you never know what Nikita is going to rock up but I think he’s a hungry kid. My name to him is a world title fight.”
He also addressed expectations around the outcome. “I know people want Nikita to knock me out but I plan on doing the same. Either way someone will be looking up at the roof,” Zerafa said, before adding that his focus remains on execution and sticking to his gameplay on the night.
Tszyu, by contrast, has described the fight as a significant step in his development, acknowledging the experience gap while welcoming the challenge. “It’s a huge fight for me,” he said. “It’s a moment where I get to elevate myself and I’m fighting one of the toughest opponents in the country.”
He also reflected on past tensions, including earlier comments involving his father, Kostya Tszyu, and how his approach has changed with time. “At that moment I was still young and naive, emotions got the better of me,” Tszyu said. “I’ve now matured and I know not to let those things control your actions.”
In discussing career position, Tszyu pointed to contrasting stages. “He’s achieved a lot already,” he said. “He’s reached the pinnacle in challenging for a world title… I’m still yet to experience it. I’m still on the rise.”
As fight week approaches, the confirmed details give shape to what both men see as an important reference point. For Zerafa, it is another chapter in a long domestic career. For Tszyu, it is a chance to measure himself against experience in a setting that will test more than just physical ability.
Fight card
Nikita Tszyu 11-0 (9 KOs) vs Michael Zerafa 34-5 (22 KOs)
Demsey McKean vs Toese Vousiutu
Nelson Asofa-Solomona vs Jeremy Latimore
Stevan Ivic vs Liam Talivaa
Liam Wilson vs Rodex Piala
Preliminary bouts:
Max Reeves vs Sonny Abid, super middleweight
Billy Polkinghorn vs Jomar Paliwen, lightweight
Rahim Mundine vs Geoffrey Matthews, middleweight
Blake Wells vs Ainiwaer Yilixiati, middleweight
Jack Javed vs Zephy Vaotu’ua, super welterweight
