Tszyu vs Zerafa: Zerafa labels himself 'Micky Hatton' ahead of Tszyu showdown

Brendan Bradford

Tszyu vs Zerafa: Zerafa labels himself 'Micky Hatton' ahead of Tszyu showdown image

Michael Zerafa his adopting a new moniker as he attempts to get under Tim Tszyu's skin ahead of their July 7 showdown in Newcastle. 

Known as the "Pretty Boy," Zerafa has asked to be called "Micky Hatton" in reference to the legendary Ricky Hatton, who defeated Tim's dad, Kostya, in the last fight of his decorated professional career. 

Kostya's long reign of dominance in the super lightweight division came to an end when Hatton scored an 11th round stoppage in Manchester in 2005. 

Although he says he has never officially retired, it was the last fight of Kostya's career.

"I'm super confident, I believe in my ability and I'm coming into this fight like Micky Hatton," Zerafa said on Monday. 

"I'm gonna do what Ricky Hatton did. I'm coming for a fight. For a war. 

"It's not Michael Zerafa, it's Micky Hatton. I'm coming to finish something that should have been finished."

Zerafa said he's watched Tszyu-Hatton plenty of times and says he plans on bringing the same pressure the Englishman did on fight night. 

"I've watched that fight numerous times and I know that Tim Tszyu and his father don't like to be on the back foot," Zerafa told Sporting News.

"That's a fact. We've got our gameplan and we're gonna go out there and shock the world. 

"I think he's going to struggle with my power. He's fought guys that are tough, but their boxing IQ hasn't been the best. 

"I believe I'm on a higher level."

The pair met face-to-face in Sydney later on Monday, with Zerafa repeating the line to Tszyu's face. 

"It's not Micky Zerafa, it's Micky Hatton rocking up," he said. "I'm taking over." 

Tszyu's comeback was swift: "Then the Pacquiao's rocking up. You remember what Pacquiao did to Ricky Hatton..." 

Having campaigned hard to get the fight with Tszyu, Zerafa hasn't said much since the bout was confirmed in May. Tszyu says it's a sign of his nerves, but Zerafa disagrees. 

"Not at all, man, I've been in there with Kell Brook and Peter Quillin," he said. 

"At 21 I was going toe-to-toe with a world champion. He was 17, 18 years old and I don't even think he was boxing. He took some time off.

"While I was fighting the big boys, he was drinking warm milk before bed. 

"I'm just focused. He calls it quiet and scared, I call it focused." 

 

Brendan Bradford