Boxing

MICHAEL Zerafa has promised to knock out Tim Tszyu. Now the “Pretty Boy” will get his golden chance.

Promoters are finalising a Tszyu-Zerafa showdown.

And the warring duo are set to trade blows in what the son of Kostya hopes is his final domestic bout before a world title shot at either Brian Castano or Jermell Charlo.

The Tszyu-Zerafa super welterweight contest is scheduled for either July 7 or 14, with the unbeaten Sydneysider (18-0, 14KO) set to return to the Newcastle Entertainment Centre.

Promoters have been exploring venues including Toowoomba in Queensland, but are keen for Tszyu to revisit the scene of his fifth-round hammering of Dennis Hogan in Newcastle in March.

The Tszyu camp was in talks with Spaniard Sergio Garcia (33-0, 14KO), and that was its preferred path.

OMG, Sergio is a multi talented sportsman both a champion golfer and a boxer.

But the pandemic is a major impediment to overseas fighters coming to Australia.

That has opened the door for Zerafa (28-4, 17KO), who is ready to drop down a division as he looks to deliver a blow to his rival’s world title prospects. It is understood the Zerafa camp has agreed to terms.

The Melbourne fighter has taken part in promotional shots before a formal announcement that could come as early as this week.

Tszyu’s promoter No Limit Boxing confirmed it was on the verge of formalising his 19th professional fight.