"Zerafa's Call-Out Falls Flat as Tszyu Sets Sights Beyond, Thurman Knocks Out Jarvis in Comeback"

Michael Zerafa's longstanding ambition to secure a match against Tim Tszyu has suffered another setback, as Tszyu's camp categorically ruled out the possibility following Zerafa's recent TKO victory at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion. The Melbourne fighter had hoped his decisive seventh-round stoppage against German boxer Besir Ay, winning the vacant WBO Intercontinental middleweight belt, would put him in line for a highly-anticipated clash with Tszyu.

Calling out his rival immediately after the fight, Zerafa described a possible showdown with Tszyu as the "biggest fight in Australia." While acknowledging the animosity and his "villain" status within Australian boxing, Zerafa refrained from aggressive trash talk, instead suggesting the fight would speak for itself. However, Tszyu's manager, Glen Jennings, firmly rejected the notion, stating no money could lure Tszyu into facing Zerafa following an incident in 2021, when Zerafa withdrew from an arranged bout citing COVID-19 concerns.

Jennings emphasized that Tszyu had moved onto greater ambitions and more significant challenges, making clear that Zerafa currently has no place in Tszyu's plans. Jennings even suggested Zerafa should consider fighting Tszyu's undefeated younger brother, Nikita, instead. Despite promoters occasionally entertaining the possibility of this rivalry matchup, Team Tszyu maintains their firm stance against it.

On the same evening and at the same venue, veteran American boxer Keith Thurman made an impactful comeback after three years away from the ring with a dominant performance over former Jeff Fenech pupil Brock Jarvis. Thurman secured a third-round knockout through a powerful combination, highlighting a notable difference in levels between himself and Jarvis. The victory was particularly brutal for Jarvis, marking only his second defeat in 24 career fights. It also emphasized the concerns voiced by Jarvis's previous trainer, Australian boxing icon Jeff Fenech, who had ended their partnership recently.

Following his emphatic comeback fight, Thurman swiftly shifted attention to Tim Tszyu, challenging the Australian star publicly. Thurman expressed readiness to sign a contract for the match if Tszyu successfully defeats American boxer Joey Spencer in an upcoming April bout. This scenario sets the stage for a potential intriguing confrontation between Thurman and Tszyu, adding further complexity to Australia's vibrant boxing landscape.