Tim Tszyu’s blockbuster matchup with Michael Zerafa has been cancelled after the Victorian fighter withdrew from the bout over COVID-19 concerns.
The withdrawal was announced exactly a week before the fight was scheduled and while Sydney is in lockdown, the venue is outside of the NSW Government hotspots.
Taking place at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Tszyu’s new opponent was revealed a short time after, with Steve Spark stepping up to the plate.
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On short notice, it is unsure how much preparation Spark will have; however, he fought and beat a former Tszyu opponent in Jack Brubaker in April.
Holding a record of 12 wins and one loss, the super welterweight boxer will prove to be a difficult task for Tszyu no matter how short notice the fight is. It will ask questions from Tszyu, about how tough he is, and how he can adapt to the reality of boxers pulling out of fights on short notice.
The biggest question mark is the commitment from Melbourne’s Zerafa. For months, he has called Tszyu out, often in the public eye at boxing events.
Former IBF featherweight world champion, Billy Dib tweeted about the seriousness of Zerafa’s withdrawel.
Zerafa pulling out does more damage to his career than a loss. The boxing public are going to crucify him. How embarrassing
— Billy Dib (@BillyDib) June 30, 2021
For fight fans across the country, it looks like Zerafa was hesitant about stepping the ring with Tszyu, and George Rose and No Limit Boxing have described him as “unprofessional” in the proceedings.
Rose added: “it’s the biggest boxing card in Australia this year.”
“It’s a very big surprise to us.”
No Limit has organised four domestic boxing events during the pandemic, three of those headlined by Tszyu and the fourth being Paul Gallen’s matchup with Lucas Browne. They have travelled into two states and four different cities and while there is a health risk, they have followed the government regulations to ensure safety.
Before the statement of withdrawal, Rose was adamant that there were strict measures to make sure everything would go to plan.
“We’ve spoken to the Victorian COVID response team, to New South Wales health and we’re speaking to the guys who ensure us we’re doing the right things to put on a COVID-safe and healthy event,” he said.
“We’ve done everything we can to make sure we’ll have a COVID-safe event.”
It will be interesting to see what type of statement will be made from Zerafa himself, as he is yet to make an announcement of his own.
