Explosive feud between Australian boxer Michael Zerafa and ex-trainer heats up over Tim Tszyu claims

Australian middleweight champion Michael Zerafa has thrown off claims he was too scared to box star compatriot Tim Tszyu, as a war of words ignites with his ex-trainer Sam Labruna.

Labruna has faced the media with damaging accusations, saying the ‘Pretty Boy’ wanted to fake a head injury to stop his fight against the undefeated WBO No.1 super welterweight.

Michael Zerafa (L) and his ex-trainer Sam Labruna (R) have made explosive accusations at each other, claiming they both owe money to a nasty split

The Melbourne-based coach is trying to stop Zerafa’s return to the ring, where he is expected to meet Danilo Creati on November 23 for the Gallen v Hodges rematch undercard.

Still, Zerafa has denied the allegations and has taken legal action against his former friend, because he owes more than $130,000.

Labruna (C) separates Zerafa (L) and Issac Hardman (R) before their fight in April this year

Labruna spoke to newscorp to open up the discussion around the Aussie mega-fight that was brought to a halt 17 months ago.

“This is the truth about the fight with Tszyu, I’ve never talked about this,” Labruna said.

“Zerafa wanted us to cut him in the eye at the gym and say it happened while sparring.

Michael gets very excited in his head for fights.’

Zerafa targets Issac Hardman in their middleweight fight in Melbourne April 2022

The 30-year-old with a record of 30-4 lashed out at the comments, reprimanding his ex-trainer for his stupidity.

Zerafa said in all of his 34 fights that he never once shied away from a fight, noting that “bad things happen to bad people” – in reference to Labruna.

The two were a formidable duo while working together.

In 2019, he defeated former world champion Jeff Horn and in April of this year he knocked out Issac ‘headsplitter’ Hardman.

Now, after a few months, Labruna claims he owes $500,000 and is preparing to take Zerafa to court.

Zerafa fires a right punch at Anthony Mundine during their March 2021 showcase fight

Since the Melbourne boxer is still signed to Labruna’s company SLB, he could prevent Zerafa from entering a professional fight for the next two years.

Zerafa defeated Anthony Mundine in early 2021 and currently has a run of three wins. He says he has already found a new manager and left Labruna in July because he did not receive the promised $130,000.

Zerafa resumes his hunt for a world title against the undefeated (8-0) Creati, who last defeated Eddie Dos Santos in September.