One of the biggest grudge matches in recent Australian boxing history is almost here, with Nikita Tszyu and Michael Zerafa just days away from finally throwing down inside the ring.
Staged at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, the blockbuster clash has been years in the making – and promises fireworks.
N. Tszyu vs Zerafa | Friday 16 Jan from 7pm AEDT | The trash talk and bitterness come to a head when Nikita Tszyu steps into the ring to face Michael Zerafa in one of the most anticipated fights in Australian boxing history. Plus ex-NRL enforcer Nelson Asofa-Solomona’s pro debut | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.
Paulie dissects the ‘rawness’ of Nikita | 01:59
A stacked undercard only adds to the intrigue, headlined by the pro debut of former Melbourne Storm enforcer Nelson Asofa-Solomona and the return of Aussie boxing star Liam Wilson.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Tszyu–Zerafa showdown, including the date, start time, full fight card and how to watch.
WHEN IS NIKITA TSZYU VS MICHAEL ZERAFA?
Friday, January 16, 2026 from 7pm AEDT
WHAT TIME DOES IT START?
The pay-per-view card commences at the following times:
NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, ACT – 7:00pm AEDT
South Australia – 6:30pm ACDT
Queensland – 6:00pm AEST
Northern Territory – 5:30pm ACST
Western Australia – 4:00pm AWST
With a five-fight main card, the main event is likely to start closer to 10pm AEDT.
WHERE IS IT?
The fight will be staged at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.
Tickets can be purchased here.
HOW TO WATCH?
You can order the full fight card now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.
Mundine breaks down Tszyu v Zerafa | 03:12
WHAT’S BEEN SAID?
Zerafa, the more experienced fighter who has faced some of the division’s biggest names, believes his class and ring IQ will be too much for his younger rival.
‘The Butcher’ however has been quick to remind everyone that ‘Pretty Boy’ has failed in his biggest fights.
Tszyu told Fox Sports Australia this week that much of that stems from Zerafa’s brutal knockout loss to American Peter Quillin in 2015.
“Michael struggles when put into uncomfortable situations,” Tszyu said.
“Look at Erislandy Lara, who made him uncomfortable early in their fight. And by simply taking away a few of his tools.
“That moment got the better of him — and he broke mentally.
“It’s why I see vulnerabilities there.”
While Jeff Fenech and Paulie Malignaggi have also questioned Zerafa’s tendency to come up short in major fights, Zerafa insists those losses came against elite opposition.
Both men have also questioned the other’s ability to take a punch.
“This fight isn’t going the distance,” Zerafa said. “Someone is getting knocked out. I don’t know who, but one of us is getting knocked out.
“And your chin is very, very questionable.”
Tszyu fired back: “I could say the same.”
READ MORE
‘I UNDERESTIMATED HIM’: Ex-world champs spill on why Aussie bad boy is actually ‘underrated’
‘THAT’S THE SCARY THING’: Secret sparring session behind Fenech’s shock Tszyu-Zerafa prediction
“He’ll bring the heat” Paro backs Zerafa | 02:46
BETTING ODDS
Nikita Tszyu enters as a narrow favourite, priced around $1.80–$1.85 to win.
Michael Zerafa sits slightly longer at $2.00–$2.10 as of Wednesday morning.
Speaking on Tuesday afternoon, Sportsbet’s Joel Cain revealed three times more money is currently coming for a Tszyu victory than any other betting option.
In terms of method, a Tszyu knockout is the most heavily backed outcome, while early round betting has surprisingly leaned towards Zerafa getting the job done inside the distance.
TALE OF THE TAPE
Michael Zerafa
Age: 33
Height: 180 cm
Reach: 182 cm
Record: 34-5-0 (22 KOs)
Stance: Orthodox
Nikita Tszyu
Age: 27
Height: 176cm
Reach: 176cm
Record: 11-0-0 (9 KOs)
Stance: Southpaw
FULL FIGHT CARD
Nikita Tszyu vs. Michael Zerafa – 10 rounds (Middleweight)
Demsey McKean vs. Toese Vousiutu – 8 rounds (Heavyweight)
Nelson Asofa-Solomona vs. Jeremy Latimore – 4 rounds (Heavyweight)
Stevan Ivic vs. Liam Talivaa – 10 rounds (Heavyweight)
Liam Wilson vs. Rodex Piala – 10 rounds (Super Featherweight)
PRELIMS
Max Reeves vs. Sonny Abid – 6 rounds (Super Middleweight)
Billy Polkinghorn vs. Jomar Paliwen (Lightweight)
Blake Wells vs. Ainiwaer Yilixiati – 10 rounds (Middleweight)
Jack Javed vs. Zephy Vaotu’ua – 4 rounds (Super Welterweight)
Zerafa says experience key to Tszyu win | 00:33
PREDICTIONS
Nick Walshaw: Nikita Tszyu TKO R7
“It’s a genuine pick ‘em fight, but I’m going with Nikita.”
James Cooney: Michael Zerafa TKO R6
“I think it will start as a chess match before opening up into a war in the third or fourth round. I’m leaning towards Michael Zerafa, but he will need to be very careful.”
Former world champions Shaun Porter, Jeff Fenech, Billy Dib and Jeff Horn are also leaning towards Zerafa to get the victory.
Discussion about this post