Nikita Tszyu vs. Michael Zerafa | PPV - January 16, 2026

[Ruthless-RKO]

Nikita Tszyu-Michael Zerafa Catchweight Clash Set For Jan. 16, Venue TBA

The early portion of the 2026 calendar is building up, and Australian boxing finally gets their long-anticipated wish when Nikita Tszyu faces Michael Zerafa come January 16.

It will be a 157-pound catchweight contest topping a No Limit Boxing pay-per-view show at a location in Queensland, Australia to be announced shortly, ending months of protracted negotiations between the two camps.

Their inaugural press conference took place Wednesday local time, with promotional CEO George Rose emphasising just how important making this fight was.

In a press release, he was quoted as saying: "We've had some false starts along the way. This fight was first meant to happen back in 2021, but circumstances stopped it. I never doubted it would, put the energy out there and knew it would come together, because when you've got two fighters of this calibre, with the level of bad blood that exists, it's inevitable."

Tszyu ended a year-long layoff in August with a first-round stoppage win over Macedonia's previously-unbeaten Lulzim Ismaili, while Zerafa climbed off the canvas to finish Mikey Dahlman during the opening frame of their middleweight contest on that Aug. 20 undercard.

Former title challenger Zerafa (34-5, 22 KOs) is ranked No. 5 by the WBA, No. 8 with the WBO and the IBF's No. 14-rated contender at 160-pounds.

Tszyu, younger brother of former WBO junior middleweight titleholder Tim, sits No. 9 with the IBF and three spots lower by the WBO's 154-pound rankings, so the pair have agreed on meeting in the middle to compromise.

Rose acknowledged 14-year pro Zerafa is far more seasoned, more than 150 rounds' experience better off than Tszyu, who feels the 33-year-old Melburnian disrespected his family name half-a-decade ago and that ill-feeling has intensified in years since.

"It all started with the disrespectful comments he made about my family years ago - those words stuck with me - this is my chance to close that chapter once and for all. I've heard excuse after excuse about why the fight with my brother didn't happen, he has a way of feeding the media stories to run with. On January 16, I'll have no remorse, have to be a killer, want this to go as long as possible, stay in there, impose myself and put a beating on him."

"Nikita is the most exciting fighter in Australian boxing today, unpredictable, absolute entertainment machine. This is the best possible matchup in Australia right now, both are stars with genuine world-class credentials," Rose added.

Given where both are ranked in their respective divisions, it's not difficult to see where an impressive victory could leave the winner as far as world title aspirations are concerned.

Zerafa shared that he's postponed his overseas wedding to fiance Selin as he welcomes a chance to spoil Nikita's coming out party as the bad guy, having withdrawn from a proposed junior middleweight bout with Tim Tszyu in July 2021.

"People say I ran from the Tim fight, but that's not true. I fought Kell Brook in England, went to Russia and Vegas, fought all around the world in opponents' backyards. I'm more experienced, beaten bigger names but there's no pressure, I'm expected to lose. Nikita is a big puncher but there are levels to this sport, he's made a big mistake."

[Ruthless-RKO]

Nikita Tszyu-Michael Zerafa grudge match set for January 16 in Australia

Nikita Tszyu refused to allow a fender bender to stand in the way of a long-sought grudge match.

The second-generation boxer is officially set to bump with longtime domestic rival Michael Zerafa. Their middleweight affair is due to take place on January 16 at a location to be determined in Australia.

No Limit Boxing – who promotes both boxers - confirmed the news during a press conference held Wednesday in Sydney.

“Bad blood, one date, no excuses,” the company stated in revealing the matchup. “January 16, the score gets settled.”

Plans for the bout have been in place for months, further heightened when both appeared on the same August 20 show in Sydney.

Tszyu, 11-0 (9 KOs) knocked out Lulzim Ismaili in the 1st round, a feat matched by Zerafa, 34-5 (22 KOs) who took out Mikey Dahlman in just over two minutes.

The idea at the time called for the pair of Aussies to meet later this year. However, Tszyu was forced to slow down his campaign a bit when he sustained minor injuries in a car crash earlier this month.

It was only enough to stall out this matchup by one month, though it also limited Tszyu to just one fight on the year. The 27-year-old southpaw was already out of the ring for 12 months, the downtime used to recover from injuries following his grueling affair with Koen Mazoudier whom he stopped in the 9th round last August 28 also in Sydney.

The same card saw Zerafa enter a partnership with No Limit Boxing. His motivation behind the move was entirely geared towards getting at least one Tszyu in the ring – either Nikita or older brother Tim Tszyu, a former WBO 154lbs titlist now on the comeback trail after three defeats in his last four fights.

Nikita and Tim are both the proud fighting sons of Hall of Fame former undisputed 140lbs champion Kostya Tszyu. Needless to say, they are boxing’s royal family in Australia, and thus an attractive option to any fighter in and around their weight.

Zerafa added two more wins in 2025, both in Sydney. Prior to his destruction of Dahlman, the 33-year-old Melbourne man halted Besir Aye inside of seven rounds on March 12. He has now won three in a row since a 2nd round knockout loss to WBA middleweight titlist Erislandy Lara last March 30 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Further details regarding the Tszyu-Zerafa card – including location and undercard bouts – are expected in the coming days. Rumors have swirled of the ordered Liam Paro-Paddy Donovan IBF welterweight eliminator landing on this show, though no such clarification was offered as this goes to publication.

[gregregegg]

Good fight. I thought zerafa was a good comeback opponent for Tim. But I guess he is Also a good step up opponent for Nikita.

[MPW]

Should be a good barometer of where Nikita is in his development. Zerafa is a solid continental-level fighter who hasn't fared well when he's gone beyond that. If Nikita handles him, it will be time to step up his competition.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Nikita Tszyu vs. Michael Zerafa set for Brisbane Entertainment Centre on January 16

The all-Australian grudge match that’s been brewing for years between Nikita Tszyu and Michael Zerafa is set to erupt on January 16, 2026, when it takes place at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. The contest, set for a catchweight of 157lbs, will be promoted by No Limit Boxing and is set to feature Liam Paro, Liam Wilson and Demsey McKean on the undercard.

The venue has hosted some of the most memorable nights in Australian boxing history including Anthony Mundine’s split-decision triumph over Daniel Geale in 2009 and revenge victory over Garth Wood, as well as cross-code stars Sonny Bill Williams and Quade Cooper both celebrating wins under its lights. The arena, which will also feature in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, now prepares for another chapter of sporting theatre when Tszyu and Zerafa finally settle their differences which began in 2020 when the latter pulled out of a bout with the former’s brother, Tim Tszyu.

The 33-year-old Zerafa, 34-5 (22 KOs), has won three in a row since being knocked out in two rounds by Erislandy Lara 19 months ago and represents a significant step up for the 11-0 (9 KOs) Nikita.

“This is as big as it gets,” said No Limit Boxing’s George Rose. “You’ve got Nikita Tszyu, the most talked-about name in Australian boxing, going toe-to-toe with Michael Zerafa, the man who’s made it his mission to destroy the Tszyu legacy.

“The bad blood between these two runs deep and it’s all coming to a head right here in Queensland, the home of champions — NRL, AFL and soon the Olympics. There’s no more talk, no more excuses, and nowhere to hide. On January 16, it ends in Brisbane.

“This fight is going to shake the country and I can promise Queensland fans will turn it into a night Australian sport will never forget. If you’re not there, you’ll wish you were…tickets will not last.”

To mark the announcement, No Limit Boxing will host two major media events in Brisbane on Tuesday: The first will see Nikita Tszyu and Michael Zerafa come face-to-face on a floating boxing ring beneath Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge tomorrow morning (Tuesday 11 November) before an official press conference later in the day featuring the stars of the undercard.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Liam Paro-Paddy Donovan confirmed for January 16 in Brisbane

Liam Paro and Paddy Donovan will fight in a final eliminator for the IBF welterweight title at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Brisbane, Australia on January 16.

Donovan lost to the champion Lewis Crocker in a fight for the same, then-vacant, title in September, and in an attempt to force a third date with his fellow Irishman he will travel to Paro’s hometown to feature on the undercard of the all-Australian grudge match between Michael Zerafa and Nikita Tszyu.

“There has been an agreement reached,” said No Limit’s George Rose. “While it hasn’t been officially signed off, everything has been agreed on. A man’s handshake is pretty much as good as a contract – that’s where we’re at right now. It is agreed – it’s going ahead.

“Liam Paro will be fighting Paddy Donovan. This will be a final eliminator for that world title, and I’m stoked for Paro, because the journey he’s had – becoming a world champion [at junior welterweight], losing his world title and then fighting his way back to position, we’ve been really excited for him to be on this journey to get back to where he belongs, and this is the fight that puts him there.

“Within a handful of fights he’s been able to get back to that position, and we’re stoked that Paddy Donovan’s locked in. We’ll get him out here, introduce him to Queensland, and send him home with another loss, because Liam Paro’s headed for the top.

“This is a very tough fight. I thought Paddy Donovan looked the better in that fight [against Crocker, who he also lost to, via disqualification, in March]. It’ll be a really tough fight for Liam Paro, but mark my words – Liam Paro’s a world champion and he’ll be back at the top.”

Paro, 29, sacrificed the IBF junior-welterweight title won from Subriel Matias when in December he lost to Richardson Hitchins. He responded by signing a promotional agreement with No Limit and moving to welterweight, where he defeated Jonathan Navarro and David Papot, and he said: “It’s exciting. I believe I’ve got the tools – I’ll stay disciplined and think I’ll get it done.

“He’s a good boxer. He’s gonna be a bit more conventional, compared to the last one, but we’ve just got to go out there and box smart. I’m finally building into welterweight. We’ve just got to go there with the game plan – I’ve got to execute it and I believe I’d get past most people by doing that.

“It’s a blessing to be back on home soil. No Limit bringing the big fights to Australia. Being back fighting in front of my own people means the most to me – it’s truly special. Two-time world champion here, in Australia.”

Asked about plans for a future title fight in the city’s celebrated Suncorp Stadium, he responded: “If I don’t get past Paddy Donovan those opportunities aren’t there. I know they’re on the horizon, but I’ve got to get this guy out of the way. It’s all focus on Paddy Donovan and taking him out in dominating fashion.”

After the 26-year-old Donovan and Paro leave the ring, Tszyu, 27, and the 33-year-old Zerafa will fight at a catchweight of 157lbs. The undefeated Tszyu has been campaigning at junior middleweight, the weight division beneath Zerafa, who has won three fights in succession since being stopped by Erislandy Lara in March 2024.

There will also be an all-Australian heavyweight contest between Demsey McKean and Toese Vousiutu, and a fight involving the junior lightweight Liam Wilson, against an opponent to be confirmed.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Tszyu-Zerafa: Liam Paro-Paddy Donovan IBF Title Eliminator Added To Jan. 16 Card

The matchup between Nikita Tszyu and Michael Zerafa is getting a proper chief support bout.

Former junior welterweight titleholder Liam Paro (27-1, 16 KOs) and Paddy Donovan (14-2, 11 KOs) are set to meet in an IBF welterweight title eliminator, promoter George Rose announced during a press conference on Tuesday.

The action will take place on January 16 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Australia as part of a No Limit Boxing show.

“There has been an agreement reached on that fight,” said Rose. “While it hasn’t been officially signed off, everything has been agreed on. A man’s handshake is pretty much as good as a contract. So that’s where we’re at right now. It is agreed. It’s going ahead.

“Liam Paro will be fighting Paddy Donovan. This will be a final eliminator for that world title, and I’m stoked for Liam Paro. Because of the journey he’s had, becoming a world champion, losing his world title, and then fighting his way back to that position, we’ve been really excited for him to be on this journey to get back to the top where he belongs, and this is the fight that puts him there.”

Paro has scored back-to-back wins against Jonathan Navarro in June and David Papot in September after suffering the first loss of his career during the first defense of his 140-pound IBF crown against Richardson Hitchins last December. Prior to meeting Hitchins, Paro notched a career-best win against Subriel Matias in Puerto Rico in June 2024.

Donovan, meanwhile, is coming off back-to-back losses this year against Lewis Crocker. Donovan suffered an eight-round disqualification defeat in March and dropped a split decision to Crocker in September for the IBF title.

Neither Paro nor Donovan is ranked in The Ring’s top 10 at 147 pounds. The IBF, however, has Paro rated at No. 2 and Donovan at No. 3.

“We’re stoked that Paddy Donovan’s locked in,” said Rose. “We’ll get him out here, introduce him to Queensland and send him home with another loss, because Liam’s headed for the top. This is a very tough fight. Don't get me wrong, I thought Paddy looked the better in that fight [against Lewis Crocker]. Mark my words: Liam Paro’s a world champion, and he’ll be back at the top.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

Paddy Donovan has Liam Paro and ‘unfinished business’ in his sights

Paddy Donovan is already targeting a third fight with Lewis Crocker after an agreement was reached for his IBF welterweight title eliminator with Liam Paro to take place on January 16.

The Irishman will travel to Paro’s home city of Brisbane, Australia, where on the undercard of the all-Australian 157lbs catchweight fight between Nikita Tszyu and Michael Zerafa at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre he and the 29-year-old Paro will contest what represents a final eliminator for Crocker’s title.

Donovan fought and lost to his fellow Irishman Crocker in March and then September, first via a controversial disqualification and then via split decision. Following successive defeats he will perhaps be less of a favourite than he was against the 28-year-old Crocker – Paro, albeit at junior welterweight, is a former world champion – but he views their date in January as a chance to not only realise his ambitions of winning a recognised world title but to secure his chance of revenge.

Paro’s promoters No Limit have made little secret of the grandness of their plans for him – it perhaps demonstrates much that the promotion has been organised for Paro’s home city, and not that of Tszyu or Zerafa – but Donovan told BS: “It’s a good opportunity for me to be back in the mix of things. Liam Paro is a great fighter – fantastic fighter – and I’m ready to take this opportunity to get back in position to fight Lewis Crocker for a third time.

“The last two fights I believe are very, very controversial. I’ve watched the last fight back a lot of times and every time I’ve watched it I think I’ve won the fight. That’s not just being biased – I think I did enough to win the fight. But look – it’s a great opportunity for me to run it back against Lewis. There’s unfinished business there. I might be in Lewis’ dreams – I’m sure he doesn’t want to fight me for a third time. But that’s my end goal. Beat Liam Paro, in Australia, and take on Crocker again, for the third time.

“In my head I still think I’m 16-0, but unfortunately I’m not. I’m 14-2. So there’s a lot of pressure on this fight – it’s a must-win fight for me in my career. I’d rather the fight be this side of the pond, but it’s in Australia – as long as I get a fair shake I think I’ll deal with Liam Paro.

“You’ve seen it in Belfast the past two times – they favoured Crocker to win the fight. Anytime you go to anyone’s back garden they’re obviously favoured to win – the judges are swaying towards the one fighter.

“I’d like to think this time, after the last couple of fights, I deserve to get a fair shake. If I get a fair shake in Australia I believe I’ll dominate Liam Paro.”

Donovan, 26, will prepare for Paro from his respected trainer Andy Lee’s gym in Dublin, Ireland, but is yet to determine how early they will arrive on the Australian west coast in an attempt to acclimatise to the 10-hour time difference that exists during the southern hemisphere’s summer.

“The main thing is getting to work with Andy, getting in the best possible shape, getting in a position where I feel like it’s the best Paddy Donovan, and whenever Andy feels like hitting Australia we’re gonna hit it,” he said.

“I’d like to thank my team for making this happen.”

[ninetypercent]

Paro v Donovan is a really good fight between two skilled fighters. I think it's a genuinely even match up. I am definitely going.

Let's hope other good local fighters appear on the card such as Kirra Ruston and Mariah Turner.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Nelson Asofa-Solomona vs. Jeremy Latimore to support Nikita Tszyu-Michael Zerafa

Nelson Asofa-Solomona’s opponent for the occasion of his first fight since his departure from National Rugby League will be fellow former NRL professional Jeremy Latimore.

They will fight on January 16 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Brisbane, Australia, on the undercard of the all-Australian grudge match between Michael Zerafa and Nikita Tszyu.

Latimore, 39, fought as a professional when in September 2024 he outpointed Alexander Ale over four rounds. His fellow Australian Asofa-Solomona fought and won in an exhibition against then-fellow NRL professional Jarrod Wallace in 2023; their heavyweight date in January represents his debut as a professional boxer.

“For me, I just see opportunity,” Latimore said. “I couldn’t wait to run towards it. I’ve always backed myself, and when the Rose boys [of promoters No Limit] finally reached out, I couldn’t say ‘Yes’ quick enough.

“I’m under no illusions about his power. I respect that, but timing matters in this sport and he’s early in his boxing journey. I’ve been training properly for a few years now. I’ve been in there by myself already and I know what the lights feel like.

“It’s not my first rodeo, and I’m ready for it. I’m not sure he will be. With the three-minute rounds, I reckon he’ll have concrete boots pretty quick.

“Plenty of people think I’m crazy but I’ve always backed myself. On January 16, I prove people wrong again. It can’t come quick enough.”

George Rose of No Limit is another former NRL professional, and he said: “This is a seriously exciting fight and that’s exactly why it belongs on the biggest card we’ve put together in the last decade.

“Nelson brings a physicality and raw power we have yet to see from a heavyweight from this side of the world. While Jeremy [Latimore] has the experience, belief and absolutely no fear.

“When we put the call out, we weren’t looking for someone to make up the numbers. We wanted someone who genuinely believed they could win. Jeremy didn’t hesitate. He’s been asking me to get him a fight for years. He’s a real fighter and he’s got balls, I’ll give him that.

“This card is stacked from top to bottom, and this fight fits it perfectly. It’s high-risk, high-reward for both. It’s the kind of matchup fans remember, and the buildup to this one is going to be great.”

Before Zerafa and Tszyu make their way to the ring for the 157lbs catchweight contest, Liam Paro and Paddy Donovan fight in a final eliminator for the IBF welterweight title held by Lewis Crocker.

[giacomino]

This sentence said it all for both the middleweight division and boxing in general: “ Former title challenger Zerafa (34-5, 22 KOs) is ranked No. 5 by the WBA, No. 8 with the WBO and the IBF's No. 14-rated contender at 160-pounds.”
Dude was made a mandatory after losing to a past-it welterweight Jeff Horn and then beating a few nobodies, gets smoked in two rounds by the ancient Lara, beats an equally ancient former featherweight fringe contender and two nobodies with incredibly inflated records and is somehow ranked 5th by one of the alphabet boys. I know some of the ratings are bought, but his are really head-scratchers unless they are purchased. He is a good, elevated club-fighter type step up for Nikita. Can’t see it as anything more than that

[amwsnw]

I find it odd in the lead up to this none of the journos raise the Lara fight. I’m not saying Nikita is Lara but he’s a southpaw and hits hard. Will be an interesting fight. I don’t see Zerafa surviving the first time he gets rocked - if Nikita can land it.

[Grant]

Im an Aussie and I really can't see how Zerafa has been so highly rated for so long, It's a mystery to me.

[MPW]

Im an Aussie and I really can't see how Zerafa has been so highly rated for so long, It's a mystery to me.

I think it may have more to do with the lack of depth at the top of the division than anything else. Zerafa seems to do just enough to stay relevant at the back end of the top 25 but pays the price when he steps up.

[amwsnw]

Paro v Donovan is off. Donovan says he has the flu!! Must be bloody bad. He’s been talking it up in the media. P.ssed off, was really looking forward to this. Hopefully it’s a legit “flu” but something doesn’t seem right here especially when he apparently took so long to sign the contract….or had it been signed.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Paro v Donovan is off. Donovan says he has the flu!! Must be bloody bad. He’s been talking it up in the media. P.ssed off, was really looking forward to this. Hopefully it’s a legit “flu” but something doesn’t seem right here especially when he apparently took so long to sign the contract….or had it been signed.

There’s still over 2 weeks

[Ruthless-RKO]

Nikita Tszyu hasn’t forgotten Michael Zerafa’s ‘Micky Hatton’ low blow

Nikita Tszyu has revealed that his rivalry with Michael Zerafa started when Zerafa mocked his father Kostya’s defeat by Ricky Hatton in 2005.

Kostya Tszyu continues to be considered Australia’s finest ever fighter, regardless of the fact that his final fight ended in defeat by Hatton, when he was withdrawn before the final round.

Zerafa had been on course to fight Kostya’s eldest son Tim in 2021 when he said to Tim “I’m Micky Zerafa – it’s fornicating Micky Hatton rocking up, I’m taking over” in reference to that defeat.

It is instead Nikita Tszyu, 27, he will finally fight on January 16 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Brisbane, Australia. The younger of the fighting brothers insists that he is not still angry at what appeared to be Zerafa deliberately choosing to speak with a lack of respect, but he also has not forgotten the insult ahead of what could yet prove both of their biggest fights.

The 33-year-old Zerafa previously unsuccessfully challenged Erislandy Lara for the WBA middleweight title, but the all-Australian, 157lbs catchweight contest with Tszyu is expected to prove considerably bigger in the country they both call home. It will be broadcast on Main Event pay-per-view and is expected to attract in the region of 13,000 to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, a venue that represents neutral territory on account of Zerafa being from Melbourne and Sydney – like Melbourne often a sports-led city – the home of Tszyu.

“The stuff that he said five years ago [about Kostya] definitely got under my skin in that situation,” Tszyu said. “At that moment I was still young and naive, emotions got the better of me and I did have a lot of hatred towards him but I’ve now matured and I know not to let those things control your actions. I know how to harness those emotions. If he does go down that path again and goes down the disrespect path then I know in the back of my head what I’m going to do to him.

“All I’m thinking about is how I’m going to hurt him. It’s a huge fight for me. It’s a moment where I get to elevate myself and I’m fighting one of the toughest opponents in the country. He’s poses a threat I’ve never faced before and the experience that he has, the skills that he has, they’re all new to me.

“He’s achieved a lot already, he’s reached the pinnacle in challenging for a world title. He’s been unsuccessful multiple times but he’s experienced it all. I’m still yet to experience it. I’m still on the rise; I can still see above me and there is a lot of drive to get there; I think that can be the motivating factor.

“He’s more on the tail end of his career. He’s had a very good career already and could be the final piece for him whereas I have a bright future ahead of me. From what I’ve seen in his recent fights he hasn’t shown any kind of crazy growth. Maybe this fight would bring something out of him but for the stuff that he’s been showing recently… not really.”

In a reflection of the promoters No Limit’s ambitions for Tszyu-Zerafa, Tszyu spoke on Wednesday at the Tszyu Fight Club in Rockdale, Sydney, and on Thursday in Melbourne he and Zerafa again came face to face. On Friday in Brisbane they will again speak to promote their pay-per-view contest; their fight week build-up then resumes on Monday and concludes on Thursday, when they weigh in.

“He hinted at [retirement] stating in one of our first press conferences that if he loses everything is going to be fine for him; he’s got a business to fall back on; he’s got his gym,” the 11-fight Tszyu continued. “He’s already thinking about the retirement plan and that’s not the kind of mindset I have. I’m going in there to win and he’s already giving himself an exit strategy.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

Michael Zerafa expects violence against ‘hungry’ Nikita Tszyu

Michael Zerafa has predicted his grudge match with Nikita Tszyu will end via stoppage.

The 33 year old and Tszyu finally fight on January 16 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Brisbane, Australia, approaching five years after he was scheduled to fight Tszyu’s older brother Tim.

They will fight at a catchweight of 157lbs in the 27-year-old Tszyu’s 11th professional contest, and do so at a time when opinion is split over whether or not Zerafa is past his best.

It was in 2024 when Zerafa was stopped by Erislandy Lara in a contest for the WBA middleweight title. It was also in 2024 when Tszyu demonstrated his potential by recovering from almost being withdrawn through exhaustion to record his most dramatic victory when stopping Koen Mazoudier in the ninth of 10 rounds.

Their recent form – Zerafa hasn’t gone the distance since 2022, and Tszyu, who made his professional debut that year, has only ever fought beyond nine rounds once – and the tension that exists between them similarly suggests that a stoppage is likely, not least because the nature of the occasion in their home country and the platform on which they are fighting means that a high-profile victory has the potential to make or break their careers.

There increasingly exists cause for his promoters No Limit to believe that Tszyu can reach world level, but Zerafa is by some distance the more proven of the two and his edge in experience may yet prove enough for him to win.

“I feel like this is the best Michael Zerafa you will see,” he said. “Nikita is hot and cold. Sometimes he’s on; sometimes he’s off, and you never know what Nikita is going to rock up but I think he’s a hungry kid.

“My name to him is a world-title fight. I want the best version of Nikita to rock up because when it doesn’t go his way, I don’t want any excuses. I know he’s hungry, I know he wants it and wants to take my head off my shoulders so I’ve got to go out there clear-minded and stick to the game plan.

“I think winning in general against any Tszyu would be amazing for me. I know people want Nikita to knock me out but I plan on doing the same. Either way someone will be looking up at the roof.

“You’ve got two guys that genuinely want to hurt each other. I truly believe someone will be getting knocked out. I’m an experienced fighter. He thinks I’m past my best; I think I’m going into my best.

“Expect fireworks. I think this fight is a bigger fight than me and Tim. I think the build-up between me and Tim could be bigger, but in terms of the fight itself and the performance, this one is bigger.

“On paper you should be backing me. Respectfully, Nikita hasn’t fought the guys I’ve fought. I think me being the favourite is the smart option but I’m not looking too much in to that – I’ve just got to get in there and get the job done.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

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.

[keithmoonhangover]

What happened to Paro-Donovan?

[Ruthless-RKO]

What happened to Paro-Donovan?

Off was off from a week ago

[Ruthless-RKO]

Paddy pulled out, leaving Paro without a fight..

Now IBF have ordered Crocker to defend his IBF title against Paro

[Ruthless-RKO]

Fight Week!!

[amwsnw]

Anyone know how Zerafa is going making weight ?

[MPW]

Anyone know how Zerafa is going making weight ?

Just curious, is he way too heavy right now to safely get down to 157 for a Thursday weigh-in?

Over the past few years, Zerafa has fought between 157 and 160, but typically weighed under the MW limit. He hasn't really been over 160 since he fought Sherrington in April 2019. So, one wouldn't think that 157 should be a big stretch for him.