Michael Zerafa is already poised to re-enter the title picture.

The 32-year-old Melbourne native restored his confidence and his career aspirations after a first-round knockout of Tommy Browne on Aug. 28 in Sydney. The win came five months after Zerafa (32-5, 20 knockouts) was dealt a disastrous 2nd round knockout defeat to WBA 160-pound titlist Erislandy Lara (31-3-3, 19 KOs), The Ring’s No. 4-rated middleweight, on March 30 in Las Vegas.

Next up for Zerafa is a likely showdown versus former WBO 154-pound titlist Liam Smith (33-4-1, 20 KOs). Zerafa still longs for a showdown versus Tim Tszyu (24-2, 17 KOs), The Ring No. 7 junior middleweight who will likely rebuild after back-to-back defeats in 2024.

For now, the idea is to remain active and relevant while potential foes such as Tszyu figure out their own next move.

“That fight is a big one whenever it happens,” Zerafa told The Ring. “I don’t know what his plans are for now or when he plans to return. Who knows if he’ll want to fight me right away and risk a third straight loss, or if he’ll want to play it safe for a while.

“I have to do what’s best for my career.”

Interestingly, the desired showdown versus Tszyu is an upgraded contingency plan.

Zerafa’s placement on the Sydney show in August was intentional. The plan was to next face Nikita Tszyu (10-0, 8 KOs), Tim’s younger brother who defeated Koen Mazoudier in the evening’s main event. It came at a cost to the younger Tszyu, who underwent surgery to his left hand, which derailed any hopes for a Zerafa fight.

Tim Tszyu’s year went from bad to worse after an early knockout defeat to IBF 154-pound titlist Bakhram Murtazaliev (23-0, 17 KOs). Their Oct. 19 clash in Orlando, Florida saw Tszyu floored four times in just eight minutes of ring time. It came seven months after his WBO title reign ended in a gory split decision defeat to Sebastian Fundora (21-1-1, 13 KOs), The Ring No. 4 junior middleweight on March 30 in Las Vegas.

Zerafa’s loss to Lara came on that same Vegas show, though he quickly found a way to rebuild. Even without the Tszyu family available as an immediate next option, he now has a path towards another title shot.

At stake is a lucrative multi-fight deal with Matchroom Boxing, who would promote the Smith fight. It was previously eyed for Jan. 17, though the show on which it would land is no longer in play. Both fighters are still on board, whenever it makes its way to the schedule.

“Whatever it takes to win that world title,” noted Zerafa.