3 minute read

Michael Zerafa has put an end to Anthony Mundine's career and is now after the fight he believes Australia wants to see - against budding superstar Tim Tszyu.

Budding boxing superstar Tim Tszyu has been accused of "running scared" after his bold challenger ended Anthony Mundine's career in sad but spectacular fashion.

An impatient and ambitious Michael Zerafa called out Tszyu once again after needing barely two minutes to send Mundine to the canvas and claim the WBA Oceania middleweight title in Bendigo on Saturday night.

Mundine, 45 and in obvious decline, admitted it was time to "definitely, definitely" hang up the gloves after failing to even last a round with his 28-year-old opponent.

"Hopefully, Michael can go on and be a success and reach all his dreams," said the former world champion.

"He's wanted to fight me when he was 15. Lucky he got me when I was 45, not 35."

Zerafa, who has credited Mundine for inspiring his own career, added: "Anthony, nothing but love and respect, brother.

"You're the person to put this sport on the map, brother: the best ever to lace up in Australian boxing.

"It's my time. I told you, you passed the torch and now it's time Tim Tszyu - excuse my French - but stop f***ing running.

"It's time to fight."

After dismissing Zerafa's advances last December following his own first-round knockout win over New Zealander Bowyn Morgan, Tszyu will instead take on Irishman Dennis Hogan in a world super welterweight stoush on March 31 in Newcastle.

But Zerafa insists he should be fighting Tszyu, not Hogan.

"It's the best fight, best match-up. We're both number one in our division," he said.

"He had a four-fight plan with the weight that I was in. He's fought three out of the four and he's running scared.

"He's sitting there and saying no-one wants to fight him and he's kicking retired fighters and welterweights.

"I'm here. I've always been here. Stop running.

"We've called him out, I've crashed his fight - let's get back to Australian boxing. Let's put boxing back on the map.

"It's my time. Call my team. Let's make it happen. Let's get the fight Australian fans want - Zerafa v Tszyu."