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Tim Tszyu faces Tony Harrison for the interim WBO tremendous welterweight title on March 12 in Sydney however a conflict with arch-rival Michael Zerafa beneficial properties steam behind the scenes.
As Tszyu prepares for the hardest check of his profession in opposition to the American, Zerafa has obtained official phrase concerning his personal world title aspirations, with the IBF confirming the Victorian will battle Brazilian Esquiva Falcao for the middleweight belt made vacant by battle nice Gennady Golovkin.
Golovkin’s determination to relinquish his IBF strap leaves Falcao and Zerafa, ranked one and two respectively, to battle for the vacated title.
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As well as, Zerafa is the No.1 contender for Golovkin’s WBA crown, and has additionally been talked about as a doable opponent for WBO champion Janibek Alimkhanuly.
After Zerafa pulled out of his bout with Tszyu in 2021 amid a backdrop of COVID-19 and inner points along with his group that weren’t made public on the time, Tszyu declared he would by no means battle Zerafa, with the Victorian additionally principally blacklisted by boxing broadcaster Fox Sports activities.
However a lot has modified greater than 18 months later, with Zerafa now with the No Restrict steady and with loads of affords on the desk, giving Tszyu one thing to consider.
It is understood Tszyu has warmed to the thought of taking up Zerafa, on one situation – it needs to be for a world title and after he turns into an undisputed world champion.
If Zerafa and Tszyu are profitable of their push to assert titles this yr, Tszyu confirmed to Vast World of Sports activities that he would transfer up in weight to 160lbs by the tip of the yr to arrange the most important battle in Australia in current reminiscence, simply surpassing Anthony Mundine vs Danny Inexperienced.
“As soon as I am accomplished with 154 (kilos) and if there’s a chance to battle for a 160 title I would be all in,” Tszyu advised WWOS.
“I am not excited about Zerafa, I am excited about world titles.
“I am going for worldwide recognition proper now and Zerafa is simply nationwide recognition, nobody is aware of him in America that is the explanation why I am preventing guys like Tony Harrison who’ve crushed guys like (Jermell) Charlo.”
It is understood No Restrict has had preliminary talks round their planning for the yr, with Zerafa’s bout in opposition to Falcao to happen in 90 days. It is solely doable Zerafa turns into champion earlier than Tszyu, as a result of interim title on the road in opposition to Harrison.
Both means, Tszyu mentioned he solely has his eyes on Harrison in the intervening time however he is all for taking up Zerafa for a belt in one other weight division, declaring will probably be “simple”.
“After I’m in America they don’t seem to be asking me about Zefara, Zerafa no matter his title is. They’re asking me concerning the massive boys within the division – nobody is aware of the bloke.
“Only some individuals in Australia know the bloke. If he hasn’t acquired a world title then he is actually acquired nothing to supply. I’ve acquired no curiosity other than the strap. It might be the best world title to win.”
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A glance again at each battle so far from Australian boxing star Tim Tszyu
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