Michael Zerafa Offers To Step In As Spencer Threatens To Pull Out Of Tszyu Fight

Michael Zerafa has thrown his hat into the ring just days before Tim Tszyu’s scheduled return, offering to replace Joey Spencer if the American walks away due to a judging dispute.

Spencer’s team is furious after learning that all three appointed judges for Sunday’s main event will be Australian—something they claim directly violates the terms agreed upon over two months ago. Now, Zerafa has told Fox Sports Australia he’s ready to jump in if the fight collapses.

“There’s a perception that everything goes Tim’s way,” Zerafa said.
“If Joey Spencer and his team feel the judging situation isn’t fair and decide not to move forward, I’ll be ready. Whether it’s five days’ notice or just one, if there’s a chance to settle unfinished business, I’m stepping up—no hesitation.”

The unfinished business refers to their scrapped 2021 clash, which Zerafa withdrew from during COVID lockdowns. That move triggered heavy criticism, but the Melbourne fighter has since rebuilt his reputation and fought on Tszyu’s undercard in Las Vegas last year. Now, he’s eyeing the chance to finally get Tszyu in the ring—under extreme circumstances.

Judging Bombshell Shakes Tszyu-Spencer Fight Week

Joey Spencer’s camp has been blindsided by a sudden and unexpected change in the judging lineup for Sunday’s fight against Tim Tszyu—prompting talk of a possible withdrawal just days before the bout.

Spencer’s father and trainer, Jason Spencer, told Fox Sports Australia that they were originally guaranteed a judging panel consisting of one Australian and two international officials. Instead, they found out this week that all three judges would be local.

“When we were offered this fight 10 weeks ago, we were promised a neutral judging panel,” he said.
“Now we’re being told, just days out, that all three judges are Australian. That’s not the deal. And to be told during fight week—it’s completely unprofessional.”

Jason was quick to say he’s not accusing anyone of cheating, but the concern is clear: even the appearance of home-country bias in a close fight could unfairly swing the outcome.

“Judging doesn’t have to be corrupt to be unfair,” he explained.
“All it takes is one official subconsciously favoring a certain style, or watching one fighter more than the other. That can flip close rounds. That can change careers.”

Spencer Camp Demands Tszyu Push for Fairness

What’s making this controversy worse, according to the Spencers, is that Tim Tszyu has accepted neutral judges for previous world title fights at home—including against Tony Harrison and Brian Mendoza.

“Why change it now?” Jason asked.
“Does Tim Tszyu want a fair fight?”

As of now, Tszyu remains scheduled to face Spencer at 11AM AEDT on Sunday, April 6, live on Main Event via Kayo Sports. But unless the judging situation is resolved, Spencer’s team may walk away.

And if that happens, Michael Zerafa says he’s standing by with gloves on.