Zerafa slams Tszyu after comeback win as brother showdown looms

Australian boxing rival Michael Zerafa has questioned Tim Tszyu's ability to deal with the division's elite, saying the reigning undisputed contender will struggle against the top fighters after Tszyu’s comeback win over Anthony Velazquez in Sydney. Zerafa, Tszyu’s arch-rival, offered the verdict in the wake of Tszyu’s first bout since linking up with new trainer Pedro Diaz.

Tszyu controlled the Sydney showdown and posted a victory that halted Velazquez’s momentum, in a fight staged in front of a hometown crowd. It marked Tszyu’s first outing under Diaz, and the result helped restore his standing after a recent skid that included a loss to Sebastian Fundora. Zerafa cited the performance as evidence that the former champion still lacks the killer instinct some top players possess.

"Tim should've got him outta there in three rounds," Zerafa said. "I feel like it's a worse Tim - he still looked like he didn't know what he was doing. He couldn't finish him, he was prancing around a little bit."

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Zerafa said his comments were not personal or part of a broader campaign to hype an upcoming clash against Tszyu’s brother, Nikita Tszyu, on January 16. Instead, he framed them as part of building interest for the card and the family showdown that looms next month.

Tszyu, for his part, defended his approach in the Velazquez bout. He said he valued feeling comfortable in the ring over forcing a knockout and stressed that he would rather apply his skills patiently than chase a premature finish. The 26-year-old Australian explained that staying in control and preserving his technique had previously led to mistakes when he forced things.

"I really just wanted to feel comfortable in there," Tszyu said. "I wanted to get in the ring, not try go for the KO and get reckless. In the past, that's what actually came wrong by me. I wanted to take my time, use my jab. I have all the skills in the world, I just need to apply them."

The result left Tszyu with a 26-3 professional record after handing Velazquez his first loss. Velazquez had gone into the fight having dropped three of his previous four bouts, underscoring the significance of Tszyu’s returning form. With Zerafa’s pointed remarks and the looming January 16 card featuring Nikita Tszyu against Zerafa, the family’s boxing narrative has taken center stage as the sport heads into the new year.