Australian middleweight Michael Zerafa believes that his hated compatriot Tim Tszyu (21-0, 15 KOs) will crush in a fight with former champion Tony Harrison (29-3-1, 21 KOs). March 12 in Sydney Qudos Bank Arena Tszyu will meet with the American for the vacant title of “interim” WBO world champion in the first middleweight (up to 69.9 kg).
The winner of such a duel will fight with the absolute champion Jermell Charlo.
So far, Harrison remains the only one to beat e-Charlo: he won by unanimous decision in their first meeting in 2018. A year later, they got back together and Jermell knocked Tony down three times before stopping him in the 11th round.
“Respect to Tim Tszyu for taking the fight at this level,” said Zerafa
Boxing BLVD. “I think styles define fights and Harrison will be too [сильным] for him. As an Australian, I hope Tszyu does well. I want Australia to be marked on the map. When my time comes to fight for the world title, I hope that he will also support me. But I sincerely believe that he is not yet ready for this.”
Tszyu is not going to “go to fight in a pub in front of 200 spectators”
Michael believes that at this stage of his career, Tszyu will not be able to handle Harrison and expects the American to win by knockout.
“I think it will be a shocking knockout, because Tszyu does not have enough protection, he has a thin one. He’s trying to go forward, and Harrison is a technician, he picks his shots. Tony defeated Charlo. He is one of the most powerful, if not the most powerful, puncher in the division and an absolute beast. He whipped Charlo, and I think if the “right” Harrison gets in the ring, he can easily handle Timmy. Just experience, just his style, just another level, ”Zerafa threw up his hands.
As for Tony, he told why he accepted the fight with Tszyu. The American also believes that Tszyu is too simple for him.
Zerafa last year spoke about the real reason for the failure of the fight with Tszyu – he was “ordered”.