Issac Hardman draws closer to Michael Zerafa bout but TV deal unlikely

But boxing fans are set to miss out on seeing the middleweight showdown on television with Fox Sports washing their hands of anything to do with Zerafa.

The 29-year-old caused a major stir when he walked out on a blockbuster bout with Tim Tszyu one week before the pair were scheduled to fight in July.

Zerafa, 28-4, has since beaten Anthony Mundine before finding himself on a collision course with the 11-0 Hardman, who launched a verbal tirade on Instagram after being branded "fat, useless and lazy" by his prospective opponent.

Hardman's promoter Dean Lonergan says first drafts of contracts have been exchanged and now the bout is only a matter of time.

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But as it stands there will be no television coverage after Fox Sports lost out when Zerafa withdrew from his slated bout against Tszyu earlier this year.

"Hardman and Zerafa, both sides are keen to make it happen," Lonergan said.

"Obviously we'd love to have Fox to cover it, but Fox have taken a position on Michael Zerafa because he pulled out of that fight [against Tszyu], and so be it.

"The discussions have been that we're going to do that fight without TV, and I think we'll see it happen at least once, maybe twice in the new year. It's a case of when, not if, it's going to happen.

"Because Issac Hardman has fought most of his career on Fox, anything we do around that particular fight, we'll make sure Fox signs off on what we can and can't do, and what they are and aren't happy with.

"The simple fact is they've been incredibly supportive of my fighters, they've been incredibly supportive of Issac. If Fox say streaming is okay, then we'll stream it. If Fox say no streaming, then we won't have a stream.

"I've made it very clear to Sam Labruna, who is keen to make the fight between Issac and Zerafa, that there is going to be no TV and Fox are happy for us to progress on that basis. I listen a lot to what Fox have to say because they've been a great partner to me."

Lonergan is plotting Hardman's rise to a world title shot, and that path may soon include a trans-Tasman showdown against New Zealand middleweight Andrei Mikhailovich.

"I see that fight happening sooner rather than later. I think it's a great fight both guys want, and as soon as the borders come down, that's a fight we can make," Lonergan said.

"Mikhailovich can't be away for months at a time because he has got a very young family and works. As soon as we can make that fight, we'll probably do it.

"The video of when he got punched by Alex Hanan, that video has been viewed around the world over five million times. Incredible. Mikhailovich is a Kiwi, and the New Zealand borders are shut. It's nearly impossible to get back into the country once you leave, so he'll be on the shelf for a little bit.

"We've got a stable of fighters who are incredibly exciting, and fighters that will fight anyone you put in front of them. It's going to be an exciting year for Australian boxing."

Lonergan's stable includes rising heavyweight Justis Huni, who is aiming for up to seven bouts in 2022 after deciding to focus on his professional career, and Jai Opetaia, who will risk a world title shot when he faces Trent Broadhurst in Brisbane on December 4.

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