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.
