'Gone too far': Tim Tszyu expresses support for Michael Zerafa amid wave of criticism

Former Australian world champion Tim Tszyu has expressed support for Michael Zerafa, saying the backlash against the Melbourne fighter has "gone too far".

Zerafa has copped a wave of criticism since his fight with Nikita Tszyu was called off at the end of the second round due to a cut over his eyebrow. The middleweight contender told the ring doctor he could not see before saying in an interview that he said it was "blurry."

Zerafa released a statement on Monday taking responsibility for the incident, saying he made a mistake.

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Leading voices in the sport called for Zerafa to step away, while claims of a life ban from No Limit shows has also done the rounds.

The elder Tszyu could not hide his frustration on the night, calling Zerafa's no contest "a cowardly act".

Yet days after the fight, Tim took to social media to say the criticism of Zerafa had stepped over the line.

"I never thought I'd be making this video, especially about someone that I've had so much anger towards," Tszyu said.

"I think it was a big build up, five years in the making. At the time of the event, the emotions were high, the animosity was there and I was angry. I was really, really angry – just because of the fact that my brother's moment got taken away from him.

"At first, I was part of this whole backlash. But I think we've gone a step too far. I think over the last few days, just watching it from the outside, we have gone too far.

"And at some point, I think it becomes not about boxing anymore. We don't deserve to be torn apart like this as human beings. It's not the way we're brought up in the sport and words can push people to really dark places.

"I never thought that this day would ever come, but I do feel sorry for Michael. I do feel sorry for him.

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"We are fighters, but at the same time, we're all human beings."

While there's been a call for calm, more claims about the incident have emerged in recent days.

The referee who ruled the no-contest defended his decision and spoke of a pre-fight rules meeting that pricked his ears.

"This very issue (of a head cut) came up in the rules meeting," Chris Condon told News Corp.

"I was asked by Michael Zerafa's partner (Selin) what would happen if there was a cut ... who would stop the fight, and I said me, as the referee, would stop the fight.

"I was shocked.

"I have never had that question asked to me in my career before at a rules meeting and I've done hundreds of fights."