Michael Zerafa is seeking to do damage control after his bizarre no contest this past week. 

A sizable chorus of boxing fans and personalities – including his most recent opponent, Nikita Tszyu – have accused the 33-year-old of quitting in the third round of their fight this past Friday in Boondall, Australia.

Zerafa, 34-5 (22 KOs), repeatedly told the doctor that he could not see due to what appeared to be a minor nick above his eye – which was not dripping blood – caused by an accidental headbutt. The ringside doctor, apparently in disbelief, echoed his words to the referee, who ruled the fight a no contest as it came before the fourth round, which Zerafa seemed pleased with.

The 10,000-plus crowd was none too pleased as Zerafa was booed vociferously, having been denied a conclusive result in a pay-per-view fight between an established veteran and the young upstart Tszyu, 11-0 (9 KOs).

Zerafa denied repeatedly in a post-fight interview that he had told the doctor that he couldn’t see, stating that it was the doctor’s fault the fight was stopped, and not his.

Cutman Matt Clark, who was in Zerafa’s corner, revealed on social media the cotton swab which he treated Zerafa’s cut with, showing it had little more than a dab of blood on it. Zerafa says the whole matter was a miscommunication. Tszyu’s brother, former junior middleweight titleholder Tim Tszyu, mocked Zerafa at center-ring, questioning his manhood while reminding him that he fought 10 rounds with a far more dramatic cut in his first fight with Sebastian Fundora in 2024.

Zerafa claims in a statement issued Sunday on social media that everything was just a big misunderstanding.

“I want to acknowledge that what I said was wrong and apologize,” wrote Zerafa.

“My choice of words in that moment was poor and does not reflect my values or the person I strive to be. I was speaking immediately after the fight, with adrenaline high and emotions still raw. While that context helps explain how it happened, it does not excuse it. I take full responsibility and apologize for what I said.”

Zerafa goes on to claim that his eyesight was genuinely blurry, despite the cut not being visible except upon close inspection. He says that medical observations – which were not released to the public – recorded his vision as 6/20.

“The judgement, misinformation and ongoing treatment I’ve experienced within parts of the boxing community from people, coaches and promoters has taken a toll over time. I’ve rarely been given the space to simply be myself,” continues Zerafa.

“That doesn’t excuse my mistake, but it does help explain the emotional weight behind it.”

Zerafa had called for a rematch in the immediate aftermath of the fight.

Nikita Tszyu wasn't buying Zerafa's post-fight explanation.

"Once that little bit of pain comes in, he’s looking for the exit straight away," Tszyu said earlier.