'People are starting to notice': Michael Zerafa makes 'dodging' claim against Tim Tszyu

Michael Zerafa has agreed to fight Tim Tszyu on short notice in Newcastle on Sunday after American Joey Spencer accused promoters of breaking a judging agreement.

Spencer's team is fuming about Tszyu's promoters breaking an apparent deal after three Australian judges were appointed to the fight.

The little-known American had reportedly been adamant that two international judges should officiate on the three-person panel for the bout, alongside one Australian, with the failure to make that happen putting the main event in jeopardy.

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The Combat Sports Authority of NSW decides which officials will adjudicate but Jason Spencer says No Limit has the power to demand a change.

"When we were offered this fight 10 weeks ago, we were promised a neutral judging panel," Spencer Snr told Fox Sports.

"It was a key term - that there would be one Australian judge and two internationals.

"Yet now at the last minute we're being told it will be three Australians. That doesn't work. It's not our agreement. It just isn't professional."

Tszyu had a neutral judging panel for his previous world title fights on home soil against the likes of Tony Harrison and Brian Mendoza.

Spencer's frustration has now opened the door for Zerafa to jump in and save the show if needed, which would finally put an end to a long-standing rivalry.

While there were initial fears Zerafa had broken his hand last month against Besir Ay, the former world title contender is adamant he would be fit to compete.

"Let's get it on, once and for all," the Melbourne product said.

"There's only one way to settle that and we could find out this Sunday. Talk is cheap and if Spencer's not there, there's no excuse why we shouldn't get it on. Nothing personal, purely business. I truly believe that I have the arsenal to beat him. 

"I've made it quite clear - I know I'm the bad guy - but there's nothing against Tim. I'm not trying to be the hero or anything, I'm just saying that we've got unfinished business. It makes perfect sense if the Spencer fight doesn't happen. 

"There were fears that I broke my hand, which I was confident that I did. I got back to Melbourne, got it checked out and there was no severe damage. It was just bruising on the bone … we're all good, back to sparring, punching on and doing what we do best." 

Zerafa was also quizzed about what happens if Spencer does pull out and Tszyu still refuses to challenge his fellow countryman on short notice.

"They always say that I'm scared, but the original fight didn't happen for reasons that No Limit and Tim know," he said.

"It took me years to clear my name from that and I still suffer from the dramas.

"If he doesn't fight me, it purely shows that he's dodging me. I've made it quite clear previous to this call-out that I would step in on numerous occasions.

"He's kind of avoiding me now and people are starting to notice it."