‘Eats him up’ Promoter reveals truth behind Zerafa facing two Tszyus in ‘major f***ing statement’

No Limit promoter George Rose has explained how Michael Zerafa earns himself consecutive blockbusters against both Nikita and Tim Tszyu in 2026, stressing of next Friday’s Brisbane Entertainment Centre showcase: “This is the fight that sparks everything”.

Only days after Zerafa cryptically suggested the chance to fight both Tszyu boys this year could be gone, Rose has told Fox Sports Australia the opportunity absolutely remains alive heading into the nation’s biggest boxing grudge match this decade.

While Tim Tszyu has been holidaying overseas since his late December win against American Anthony Velazquez, there is talk of The Phoenix now returning home within days, and being ringside for his brother’s headliner.

N. Tszyu vs Zerafa | Friday 16 Jan from 7pm AEDT | The trash talk and bitterness come to a head when Nikita Tszyu steps into the ring to face Michael Zerafa in one of the most anticipated fights in Australian boxing history. Plus Nelson Asofa-Solomona’s pro debut | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports

The revelation comes as Nikita has also taken aim at Zerafa’s jealousy regarding everything the Tszyu name has given both brothers – “it eats him up” – while also questioning the middleweight contender’s resume since being iced by WBA champ Erislandy Lara.

While Nikita stresses Zerafa is the toughest test of his undefeated career – and deserves to be the betting favourite – he also says Pretty Boy “hasn’t shown much” since being iced by Lara almost two years ago in Las Vegas.

Regardless, Rose says that should the younger Tszyu sibling get beat in next Friday night’s Brisbane showcase, attention will absolutely turn to a bout between Zerafa and former world champ Tim Tszyu, who were initially slated to fight back in 2021.

“So the ramifications for this fight domestically, they’re huge,” Rose stressed.

“If Michael goes and beats Nikita Tszyu, that’s a major f***ing statement.

“Apart from upsetting half the country, he’s also gone and beaten the guy ranked No.6 among IBF super welterweights.

“So that carries an impact.

“It also opens up the door further for Mick at middleweight, where there really are opportunities.

“And then domestically? A win for him is huge.

“Because for a start, you’ve got a big brother there waiting, and a brother who has unfinished business with Zerafa …”

At the back end of last year, Tim Tszyu softened on previous claims he would never fight Zerafa, confirming to media he could entertain a fight in 2026.

And Rose says the prospect of being ringside next Friday night may only further fuel that resolve.

“While I know Tim has previously suggested he has no interest in giving Mick an opportunity, this can be the fight that sparks everything” the No Limit CEO said.

“Because this is a genuine grudge match.

“And it’s fuelled by genuine bad blood.

“I can tell you too, that nobody likes seeing their brother get beat.

“[Laughs] I know myself, watching my brothers playing footy, I hated seeing them get beat.

“I wanted to get out there myself.

“Go put a shot on, and get some redemption.

“So there’s a lot more on the line in this one than just winning …”

Speaking on a recent Face Off interview with both Tszyu and Main Event’s Ben Damon, Zerafa hinted that while he has long stressed a win over Nikita earns a shot at Tim, there was now another opportunity available.

“Just know there are other plans behind this,” Zerafa said.

Asked by Tszyu to explain himself, Zerafa grinned: “There’s no need to say. There are other plans. Other plans.”

Rose has now confirmed however that Zerafa versus Tim Tszyu remains in play.

Nikita, meanwhile, has also spoken of what he insists is Zerafa’s jealousy of both his surname and the opportunities that come from being Hall of Famer Kostya Tszyu’s son.

“I’ve heard Michael talk,” Nikita started, “saying how Tim and I have been given our positions, while he’s had to work for his.

“But Tim and myself, we’re aware of the situation.

“And I think that’s what eats him up.

“He’s so caught up in trying to not only prove that he’s deserving of this, but that we’re not.

“But what are we supposed to do? Give it all up because little Mikey tells us to?”

Tszyu quickly added that Zerafa’s take fails to acknowledge all the unseen work both Tszyu brothers have put in to achieve their positions.

“Name only gets you so far,” Nikita continued.

“Yes, it opens up the door, but you still have to do all the hard work.

“You still have to walk through it.”

Elsewhere, Tszyu also questioned exactly what Zerafa has achieved since being stopped by Lara back in 2024.

In the almost two years since, and while Tszyu has spent significant time overcoming hand issues, Zerafa has earned easy, if contentious, first round finishes of Tommy Browne and Mikey Dahlman, plus a stoppage of Besir Ay.

“So I don’t think he’s been put in a tough situation for a while,” Nikita said. “He also hasn’t had any good fights since.

“He had one round with Tommy Browne, a round with the American … overall, he hasn’t shown much.”

Think you finish him then?

“I hope so,” Tszyu said. “And that’s definitely what we’re aiming for.

“We’re not aiming for this one to go the distance.”

And as for what might be next for Tszyu with a win?

“This fight is too close to be thinking past it,” Rose said of Nikita’s future, which includes whispers of a US debut late in the year.

“Honestly, it’s way too close.

“For us as promoters, you can’t sit here saying anything about what the path afterwards [is for Tszyu] … because there is no clear path.

“If this goes as big as it could, anything can happen.”