0
0
Final July, Michael Zerafa’s profession was in tatters after he opted to not battle Tim Tszyu in Newcastle, in what was dubbed the most important bout in Australian boxing on the time.
Quick ahead lower than a 12 months and Zerafa’s predicament has modified dramatically after disposing of Issac Hardman within the second spherical in Melbourne on Wednesday evening.
Zerafa turns into the world quantity two IBF middleweight contender and is ready to battle Brazil’s new quantity one-ranked contender Esquiva Falcão for the IBF belt in Melbourne later this 12 months.
READ MORE: Tennis world slams Wimbledon’s Russia ban
READ MORE: Loser’s message to bitter rival after loss
READ MORE: Large Milford query forward of NRL comeback
The chance has opened up off the again of Gennady Golovkin’s determination to vacate the middleweight division and chase a 3rd bout towards Saul “Canelo” Álvarez at tremendous middleweight.
Zerafa stuns Hardman with second-round stoppage
After being admonished by followers, broadcasters and sections of the media for his Tszyu no-show, Zerafa had some phrases for the undefeated Sydney fighter, who can be in line for a shot on the unified tremendous welterweight title this 12 months.
“To all of the haters, thanks, thanks,” Zerafa mentioned.
“I am bringing a world title again to Melbourne.
“Timmy Tszyu we bought a world title shot subsequent. Everybody thought I misplaced. There was a battle there we by no means backed out of that battle.
“Individuals wish to imagine the media that is as much as them. We had Issac Hardman in entrance of us, we took care of him. I’ve bought a world title shot subsequent, what’s Timmy doin?”
Little question Tszyu is again within the health club after defeating Terrell Gausha in his US debut in late March, in a bout that headlined a Showtime occasion.
It is broadly anticipated Tszyu will face the winner of the Brian Castano v Jermell Charlo blockbuster unification bout, which takes place on Could 15 (AEST) in Carson, California.
Nevertheless, by the point Charlo and Castaño battle, Tszyu can have been dormant for almost two months following his conflict with Gausha.
Contemplating how lengthy negotiations might take with the topped winner of that bout, Tszyu could also be pressured to take one other battle earlier than taking up the brand new unified champion.
For a every day dose of one of the best of the breaking information and unique content material from Huge World of Sports activities, subscribe to our e-newsletter by clicking right here!
A glance again at each battle to this point from Australian boxing star Tim Tszyu
