Less than two weeks removed from a whirlwind first-round knockout win over Mikey Dahlman, one-time world title challenger Michael Zerafa's in-ring return has been rewarded with a rankings upgrade.

Zerafa (34-5, 22 KOs) has moved two places to No. 6 in the WBA's top-10 middleweight rankings published Sunday.

"I trained super hard, would've loved to have gone longer. He's a big puncher and knockout artist, but I blew him out in less than a round, onto the next," he said in his post-fight interview after a bizarre stoppage victory against overmatched opposition.

Having featured on the undercard of Nikita Tszyu's long-awaited return after a 13-month injury absence, he couldn't avoid questions about the 27-year-old, who he could fight next, but kept things cordial.

"I like him, he's a good kid and I wish him all the best. I'm in his corner until we're fighting each other. When it's time to fight, then the hostility can come out - I do believe I beat him - but he's doing great things, beating everyone in-front of him but still has a little bit more to go and do."

Tszyu made quick work of Macedonia's Lulzim Ismaili (12-0), who was floored in the opening round and didn't answer the bell to start round two after suffering a suspected broken rib.

Yet Zerafa's comments about Tszyu lacking the seasoning to challenge him were echoed by Australian boxing great Jeff Fenech.

Three-weight world champion Fenech told Fox Sports Australia the rising contender would be wise to spend some time stateside, as his team have deficiencies to fix - and that the highly-ranked junior middleweight is fighting at a third of his potential.

Six months removed from his third-round stoppage loss to former unified welterweight champion Keith Thurman, Brock Jarvis is a potential option.

After a fourth-round finish against New Zealand's Sam Beck (7-1, 4 KOs) on the Tszyu-Ismaili undercard, a quick turnaround sees him back later this month as part of the Liam Paro-David Papot bill.

Another impressive victory against Ken Aitken (11-2, 3 KOs) would go a long way towards earning consideration for big bouts again, should Zerafa-Tszyu talks stall.

Tszyu, No. 11 with the IBF and No. 15 with the WBO, has reportedly been in discussions with several potential international rivals, though longtime manager Glen Jennings is relaxed about what lies ahead, both domestically and stateside in the new year.

Given they operate six pounds apart in weight, there is a tentative plan for a catchweight contest to headline a No Limit card in November - Sydney's 30,000-seater CommBank Stadium among the venues being discussed.

Fox Sports Australia mentioned Nikita will be elevated into the IBF's top-10 at 154-pounds this month, featuring a series of intriguing options to explore as time wears on and he builds experience.

"Line them up, I don't care whoever, I'll take them all on," Tszyu boldly stated in the ring after a quick night's work on August 20.

They won't all be as straightforward as that.