Boxing Australia: Excuse ‘scared’ Michael Zerafa gave for pulling out of fight against Tim Tszyu

Australian boxing’s most highly anticipated grudge match has been called off after Michael Zerafa pulled out of next week’s clash with Tim Tszyu over Covid safety concerns.

Zerafa, 29, said he pulled the pin on the super welterweight showdown which was set to go ahead in Newcastle on July 7, because he is not ‘comfortable’ travelling from Victoria to Covid-ravaged New South Wales.

This is despite the fact the fight was due to be held in Newcastle, which has no Covid cases and is not in lockdown. 

The last-minute decision to bail on what was being billed as Australian boxing’s fight of the year, has left his opponent, fight promoter No Limit Boxing and even NSW deputy premier Deputy Premier John Barilaro, fuming.

To save the fight card, hard-hitting Queenslander Steve Spark has agreed to take the Victorian’s place.

Australian boxing’s most highly anticipated grudge match has been called off after Michael Zerafa (right) pulled out next week’s clash with Tim Tszyu (left) over Covid safety concerns 

To save the fight card, hard-hitting Queenslander Steve Spark (pictured punching Jack Brubaker) has agreed to take the Victorian’s place

‘We’re happy to fight him anywhere in the country if it’s deemed COVID-free,’ Zerafa told the Sydney Morning Herald.

‘I’m not going to go and fight with no team and no trainers behind me after being with them for the last 12 weeks in camp.

‘[They’re health and financial well-being] always comes first. I could go over there and fight but we start as a team and finish as a team. I stick by my team and, when COVID is in place, we can’t afford that.

He said he pleaded with organisers to reschedule the bout when things return to normal in NSW, but they didn’t want to comply.

Mr Barilaro rejected the fighter’s assertion that Newcastle, which has not had a Covid case during the current outbreak, is unsafe.

He said even though there are few restrictions in the Hunter Valley region, the Newcastle Entertainment Centre still had a Covid-safe plan in place for the contest.

The deputy premier also took aim at the city of Melbourne.

Tim Tszyu (pictured with partner Alexandra Constantine) said he’s ‘sick and tired’ of Zerafa’s antics

Mr Barilaro (pictured) rejected the fighter’s assertion that Newcastle, which has not had a Covid case during the current outbreak, is unsafe and criticised Zerafa

‘Newcastle has more recent experience in hosting major events than Melbourne – I think Melbourne might still have a bit of ring rust,’ he told News Corp.

‘Newcastle has already gone 10 rounds with Covid and is still on its feet.

‘The only person this fight might not be safe for is Michael Zerafa.’

With rumours swirling around yesterday the fight would be scratched, Tszyu, 26, told reporters he’s ‘sick and tired’ of Zerafa’s antics.

‘Get this kid here. There’s not long to go. He’s talked too much cr*p, he’s said enough, I’ve trained enough… I just want one thing: to get him in the ring here in Newcastle.’

‘I think there’s too many people in his ear saying different things … look Michael, if you’re watching, just listen to yourself, bro. Just come here. Let’s get it on.’

But the call to action would not be enough to entice the controversial boxing star to the steel city. 

Steve Spark, 24, (pictured left) has a record of 12-1 with 11 KOs and said the call up could be his ‘golden ticket’ to become a legend

No Limit Boxing promoter George Rose said he questions the legitimacy of Zerafa’s excuses, claiming a face-to-face encounter between the two spooked the Victorian.

‘Fear makes a man do strange things. When you make a lot of claims, when you get to the crunch you’ve got to back that up,’ Rose said.

‘One of the worst things we did was have Michael travel up to Sydney the other week, he had to look Tim in the eye and see what Tim’s going to bring to this fight.

‘I honestly think that from the day they looked Tim Tszyu in the eye, and what he’s going to bring to this fight and saw how prepared he is, a lot of excuses have been coming out.’

‘He’s talked too much cr*p, he’s said enough, I’ve trained enough… I just want one thing: to get him in the ring here in Newcastle,’ Tszyu said

With the entire event hanging in the balance Queensland’s Steve Spark has stepped up to the plate.

The hard hitting 24-year-old with a record of 12-1 with 11 KOs said the call up could be his ‘golden ticket’ to become a legend.

‘I’m a fighter and fighters fight! I like challenges and life is about taking risks. With no risk there is no reward! I’m excited!’ he said.

‘I’m fit and I’m ready and I’m coming to Newcastle to win. This is Cinderella Man, this is Rocky!

‘This is my golden ticket. If I can go out there and dethrone the biggest name in Australian boxing then I’m right where I want to be.’