Boxing Match Preview: Nikita Tszyu (11-0-0, 9 KOs) vs. Michael Zeraf (34-5-0, 22 KOs)
The upcoming boxing event headlines a super welterweight (154 lbs) grudge match between undefeated Australian prospect Nikita “The Butcher” Tszyu (11-0, 9 KOs) and veteran contender Michael “Pretty Boy” Zerafa (34-5, 22 KOs), promoted by No Limit Boxing as “Tszyu vs. Zerafa: No Limit On PPV.” This bout, years in the making, stems from heated bad blood between the fighters and their camps, promising high drama and potential fireworks. Tszyu, son of Hall of Famer Kostya Tszyu and brother of former world champion Tim Tszyu, aims to extend his perfect record against the more experienced Zerafa, who has faced top names like Erislandy Lara. The card features a mix of heavyweights and rising talents, with strong Australian flavor. Below is a comprehensive preview for fans and bettors.
Venue Location
The event takes place at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
This 11,000-capacity arena is a premier venue for combat sports in Australia, known for its electric atmosphere and history of hosting major boxing cards. Located in Boondall, a suburb of Brisbane, it provides a home-state advantage for Queensland native Tszyu, with expected strong local support amid the rivalry’s national appeal.
Ringwalks are scheduled to begin with prelims beginning at approximately 5:00 PM AEST local time (4:00 AM ET / 9:00 AM GMT).
The pay-per-view main card starts at 7:00 PM AEDT (6:00 PM AEST / 2:00 AM ET / 7:00 AM GMT), with the Tszyu-Zerafa main event ring walks anticipated around 10:00 PM AEST (7:00 AM ET / 12:00 PM GMT / 11:00 PM local for Zerafa’s Melbourne base, but event in AEST). Broadcast via No Limit Boxing PPV in Australia, with international streaming options potentially on platforms like Main Event or global PPV services.
Injury Report
No major injuries are reported for the main event fighters as of January 13, 2026.
Tszyu suffered minor injuries in a car accident in October 2025, which briefly jeopardized the fight, but he has fully recovered and shown no lingering effects in training camps or promotional appearances. Zerafa reports no issues, entering in peak condition after consistent activity. On the undercard, Rahim Mundine withdrew due to a calf strain sustained on January 13, 2026, scrapping his bout with Geoff Matthews; no replacements have been announced.
Fighter Matchups
This 10-round super welterweight main event anchors a stacked card focused on Australian heavyweights and international prospects. Tszyu, a 28-year-old southpaw from Sydney, brings explosive power (82% KO rate). Zerafa, 32, orthodox from Melbourne, offers savvy ring IQ and durability.
Recent Form
Nikita Tszyu: Undefeated with a 5-0 streak in his last five outings (all wins from 2023-2025), including four stoppages.
His latest: a dominant KO over Koen Mazoudier in August 2025, following stoppages of Lulzim Ismaili and others. Tszyu has shown improved footwork and pressure, averaging a fight every few months while building under the family legacy.
Michael Zerafa: 4-1 in his last five (W W W L W from 2022-2025), with three KOs.
Recent highlights: a win over Mikey Dahlman in August 2025 and Besir Ay in March 2025, but a KO2 loss to Erislandy Lara in March 2024 exposed vulnerabilities to elite power. Zerafa hasn’t gone the distance since 2022, favoring aggressive finishes but showing resilience in wars.
Both enter active and confident, with Tszyu’s youth (28) vs. Zerafa’s experience (over 40 pro bouts).
Fight History
This is the first professional meeting between Tszyu and Zerafa, but the rivalry dates back years, intensified by verbal barbs, family feuds (involving Tszyu’s brother Tim), and a secret sparring session where Zerafa claims dominance.
Plans solidified after both appeared on the same August 2025 card, with Tszyu calling out Zerafa post-win. Zerafa vows a knockout, while Tszyu seeks to “settle the bad blood” without excuses. No shared opponents, but the personal stakes elevate this to Australia’s biggest domestic grudge match in years.
FIGHT ODDS
Nikita Tszyu – 120
Michael Zeraf + 100
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, January 15, 2025
