Written by I think it’s fair to assume that a healthy culture includes respect for ourselves and for each other. The sporting world should operate under much the same premise. When fighters ‘talk smack’ to and about each other, is that part of the show? Is it a concerted effort to distract or ‘put-off’ the competition? Or is it just a blatant lack of respect for another human?
Australian Boxer Michael Zerafa has openly disturbed and offended his competitor Tim Tszyu with jibes about his skills. Zerafa unfortunately has taken his ribbing to a new low when he got a bit too personal. Zerafa has accused Tszyu of gaining fame by riding the coattails of his father’s legacy and warned that he would be the cause of Tszya’s demise. In 2005 the older Kostya Tszyu, fresh from surgery was taken down by the younger rival, Micky Hatton. Fast forward 16 years and the tormenting Zerafa has used this historic defeat to destabilize his opponent, taunting him with the promise;
“I’m Micky Zerafa. It’s f***ing Micky Hatton’s rocking up. I’m taking over.” – Michael Zerafa
Although keen to revisit this momentous fight, Zerafa is actually complimentary of Kostya’s career and refers to him as legendary and worthy of Hall of fame status in Australian boxing. He goes on to acknowledge the similarities between father and son in terms of style, ability and success. Tim Tszyu was visible shaken by the remark however and responded sharply with; “Don’t talk about that fight man. Don’t talk about that.” He added generously that he believed that Zerafa didn’t mean it. “Everyone has dark places in their life. That wasn’t a good place in our family’s life and that’s it.” Concessions aside however, Tszyu has vowed that if Zerafa brings it up again … “he’ll pay for it.”
The pair are scheduled to round off against each other in Newcastle on July 7. What effect this pre-fight stoush will have on the event remains to be seen, but no doubt the added fuel and tension will increase spectator interest, and that is of course the primary purpose. Propaganda is a psychological tool of war and politics, used throughout history to sway opinion but primarily to upset enemies to the point of distraction and loss of confidence. During the Second World War, the infamous radio personality Tokyo Rose force-fed her venom to the allied forces to incite them to desert their posts and run home to their loved ones. Sport is not war, however, and friendly rivalry and teasing should not cross the line into personal attacks of an obviously hurtful nature. Sport has such power to unite and entertain and this needs to remain the focus. Positive coaching and sports administration can guide and mentor this behavior to instill in young athletes the importance of respect in the culture of sports.