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All-Aussie Boxing Bout Between Tim Tszyu And Michael Zerafa Under Threat With One Fighter Sent To Hospital

All-Aussie Boxing Bout Between Tim Tszyu And Michael Zerafa Under Threat With One Fighter Sent To Hospital

It's not looking good for one of the boxers.

Max Sherry

Max Sherry

An "in distress" Michael Zerafa has been rushed to hospital after suffering pain under his ribs.

The news of the Zerafa's injury means his all-Australian grudge match against Tim Tszyu could be derailed with his team confirming that they're more than willing to wave things off if there's no sign of improvement in the next coming days.

"He trained, he had a pain under his rib - he said he's had it for about two or three days - so we sent him to hospital," Zerafa's trainer Sam Labruna told Fox Sports.

Michael Zerafa.
PA

"If this guy doesn't recover in the next three, four, seven days, well, there's not going to be a fight.

"Because I'm not going to put him in there if he's not right. If he's not sparring and training, we won't be fighting, that's for sure.

It's understood 29-year-old Zerafa was due to fly into Sydney from Melbourne for media obligations but ultimately missed his flight so that he could go to hospital.

"Look, he's not well," Labruna added.

"He would've come to Sydney if he was well. It's not like Michael too, because for him to miss media, he's not good, because he loves that stuff."

"He's not in a good place at the moment, that's for sure."

The two Aussie boxers locked horns during a recent press conference to announce the fight.

The bad blood between the pair was clear for all to see with both Zerafa and Tszyu exchanging countless pleasantries during the fiery exchange.

They recently met face-to-face again for the official unveiling of the 'Tszyucastle Entertainment Centre' where the highly-anticipated bout is set to take place.

And, unsurprisingly, Zerafa had plenty to say about the new name for the sold out venue.

"I'm not fussed by the hype, they can scream Tszyu, they can say whatever they want, my focus is on the fight," Zerafa said.

"They can rename it after I beat him... Zerafaville.

"I know deep down he knows I'm going to be his hardest test. I take nothing away from him, every fight he's getting better. He is a champion, he holds himself really well, but I've been in there with some big boys, and heart is going to play a big role in this fight.

"I'm a different caliber. I'm not going to make any predictions but I know I'm going to be his hardest fight."

Featured Image Credit: Instagram/@nolimit_aus

Topics: Tim Tszyu, Boxing News, Injury news, Boxing, Hospital, Australia