‘If he takes the fight, it’s sleep time’: Nikita Tszyu’s shock offer for August return

Australian boxing great Billy Dib has urged promoters No Limit to rush Sydney prospect Mounir Fathi straight into an August showdown with Nikita Tszyu – while also stressing Michael Zerafa would receive “sleep time” against his somersaulting slugger.

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After almost a year out of the ring following ongoing complications with hand surgery, 27-year-old Tszyu is now being tipped for a hyped August pay-per-view return.

While no date or opponent has been named, Dib — the former IBF featherweight champ — is offering up the man he not only mentors, but who needed less than three rounds to finish longtime national favourite Wade Ryan during Wednesday night’ No Limit pay-per-view.

Immediately after his brutal stoppage, 30-year-old Fathi leapt up and onto the top ropes of the Hordern Pavilion ring, where he then delivered one of his now signature backflip summersaults.

From there, the fighter called out world ranked Zerafa — both in the ring and afterwards, when surrounded by a press scrum he goaded Pretty Boy with: “Come on, no run, no run … let’s go.”

Behind the scenes however, Dib is angling for Fathi to fight the younger Tszyu sibling, and as soon as August, when the ‘The Butcher’ is tipped to make his long awaited return.

Speaking with Fox Sports Australia, the former world champ insisted the team could eventually take Fati all the way to a world title against Tim Tszyu, who will himself look to win the WBC super bantamweight crown back from Sebastian Fundora in July.

Asked what was next for his charge after the Ryan demolition, Dib replied: “Nikita Tszyu.

“Which isn’t meant as any disrespect.

“And Mounir Fathi is so humble he won’t even say Nikita’s name.

“But in my opinion, this kid can be a world champion within 15 fights.

“And if No Limit wants him as Nikita Tszyu’s next fight, we’re ready.

“Against Wade Ryan, we were preparing for 10 rounds because everyone knows how tough the guy is.

“Yet Monir just finished him in three.

“And with a real KO.

“Obviously, we respect Nikita, respect all the Tszyus, and they’re at the top of Australian boxing.

“But this kid is ready to mix it with the best in the world, no doubt.”

Dib said if Tszyu already has somebody else for August, his fighter – who originally hails from Morocco — would also be more than willing to throw down against Zerafa.

Undoubtedly, the domestic scene has plenty of big opportunities at super welterweight right now, including new Australian champ Koen Mazoudier — who was one half of a 2024 barnburner against Nikita Tszyu before only last month claiming the national crown.

Despite their obvious gap in resumes, Dib insisted a fight between his charge and Zerafa also makes sense.

“Because Michael Zerafa is chasing this big fight with Tim Tszyu,” the former champ continued. “But he isn’t getting it.

“And there’s no other fights out there for him.

“But Mounir Fathi?

“I’m telling you, this kid can be world champion tomorrow.

“That’s how good he is.

“His power, it’s outstanding. Savage.

“If Zerafa takes the fight it’s sleep time, I guarantee you.”

After Ryan was stopped within three on Wednesday night, the longtime Gunnedah favourite then suggested the fight would likely be his last, before disappearing back to his dressing room.

So distraught was Mounir with the idea of having sent The Bogeyman out of the sport, he immediately sought Ryan out backstage and, during their embrace, broke down in tears while thanking the 35-year-old for having shared the ring with him.

Fronting the media soon after however, and the fighter was already suggesting Zerafa as a potential opponent

“Oh, the bad boy,” he laughed.

“Michael Zerafa, I want to fight him.

“Let’s go, bad boy.

“Zerafa you talk too much.

“I want to do a nice conversation with you in the ring.

“So come on, no run, no run … let’s go.”

Already Zarafa has suggested he has no interest in the fight, but Team Fathi are convinced it could happen this year.

“If you scared, you run,” the fighter continued.

“You give excuses.

“But no excuses.

“Fighting.

“Let’s go.”

Soon after, Fathi suggested the fight was exactly what Australian boxing fans wanted.

“Listen to the boxing fans, they want this fight,” he said.

“Simple.

“Let’s go.

“First, best in Australia.

“Then, best in the world.

“America, England, Saudi, any place, anyone, I’m ready.”