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On the eve of Australia\u2019s biggest boxing grudge match this decade, Zerafa suddenly finds himself under fire for not only dropping the bad boy persona that has trademarked his biggest domestic wins, but choosing to do it right before his hyped headliner with Nikita Tszyu.<\/p>\n
Tszyu says Zerafa fight is ‘do or die’ | 00:31<\/p>\n
Despite enduring years of bad blood with Australia\u2019s most famous fight family, Zerafa has surprisingly spent much of fight week praising his younger rival, while also steering well clear of the shenanigans \u2013 like his famed \u2018Micky Hatton\u2019 sledge <\/a>\u2013 that created this fight in the first place.<\/p>\n The decision comes as a host of experienced boxing names \u2013 think Jeff Fenech, Johnny Lewis, Horn, even American great Paulie Malignaggi \u2013 have also questioned Zerafa\u2019s mindset leading into the biggest fights of his career. <\/p>\n Speaking with Fox Sports Australia, Mundine has also now stressed Zerafa is making a mistake by trying to adopt something of a \u2018nice guy\u2019 approach in fight week, and warns he is moving away from the persona under which he has always fought best.<\/p>\n While Choc polarised better than any Aussie fighter before or since, the three-division champ also stresses he always performed better as a result.<\/p>\n Indeed, while both Mundine and Horn have suggested Zerafa has to be favoured for victory, they also believe he is effectively handing Tszyu an opportunity with his new approach, with both former world champions convinced he fights better as the bad guy.<\/p>\n \u201cSo I don\u2019t know what Michael is doing,\u201d Mundine said of the man who handed him what would be his last ever loss in 2021.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not sure if he wants to change his image, or something else, but I really think this is a terrible time to do it.<\/p>\n \u201cYears ago, he told us how he wanted to be the new Mundine.<\/p>\n \u201cBut I dunno, man. It really seems like he\u2019s going off track.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause not only are you failing to sell the event, I really believe Mick fights better as the bad guy.<\/p>\n \u201cSame as I used to.<\/p>\n Michael Zerafa and Anthony Mundine pose during an open workout session at PCYC Lang Park on January 13, 2026 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n \u201cIt didn\u2019t matter for me if it was boxing or rugby league, I\u2019d put myself into uncomfortable positions [through talk] so then I had to perform.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause if I didn\u2019t, I knew there were ramifications coming back at me.\u201d<\/p>\n Asked if Zerafa was going to pay for his nice guy attempt, Choc continued: \u201cWe\u2019re definitely going to find out Friday night.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd look, I like Michael.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s a great dude.<\/p>\n \u201cSame as if, right now, I\u2019m being asked for a tip, I think he has to be favoured to beat Tszyu by decision.<\/p>\n \u201cBut I also think he really should be sticking to his guns and staying the bad guy.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just my opinion.<\/p>\n \u201cBut this change in attitude, I just think he\u2019s trying to get people to like him.<\/p>\n \u201cTrying to get respect.<\/p>\n \u201cBut you get respect by winning. Look at me, I played the bad guy all my career and got nothing but love from the streets.<\/p>\n \u201cSpend a day with me and you\u2019ll see the love I get.\u201d<\/p>\n READ MORE<\/p>\n REVEALED: Souths premiership winner in secret fight talks… as second all-NRL bout emerges<\/a><\/p>\n ULTIMATE GUIDE: Full card, when the main event will start and who punters are tipping<\/a><\/p>\n