Australian boxing fans are set for a blockbuster showdown as Nikita Tszyu and Michael Zerafa finally settle their long-running feud on Friday night. Years of verbal jabs, failed negotiations, and tension between Zerafa and Australia’s most famous boxing family all come to a head at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, making this one of the most anticipated domestic fights in recent memory.
You might also like
Below is everything you need to know about when, where, and how to watch Tszyu vs. Zerafa, along with a full breakdown of the matchup.
When is Nikita Tszyu vs. Michael Zerafa?
The pay-per-view broadcast begins at 7:00 p.m. AEDT on Friday, January 16, with the main event expected later in the evening depending on the length of the undercard.
Start times across Australia:
-
AEDT: 7:00 p.m.
-
AEST: 6:00 p.m.
-
ACDT: 6:30 p.m.
-
AWST: 4:00 p.m.
Where is the fight taking place?
Tszyu vs. Zerafa will be held at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Boondall, Queensland.
The indoor venue has a seating capacity of approximately 13,500 and is expected to be near capacity for this high-profile clash.
Fight details
-
Bout: Nikita Tszyu vs. Michael Zerafa
-
Weight class: Super welterweight (157 lbs)
-
Rounds: 10
-
Stances: Southpaw (Tszyu) vs. Orthodox (Zerafa)
Fighter bios and records
Nikita Tszyu
-
Age: 27
-
Height: 176 cm (5’10”)
-
Record: 11-0 (9 KOs)
-
Stance: Southpaw
The son of former undisputed world champion Kostya Tszyu, Nikita enters undefeated and rapidly rising through the super welterweight ranks.
Michael Zerafa
-
Age: 33
-
Height: 180 cm (5’11”)
-
Record: 34-5 (22 KOs)
-
Stance: Orthodox
A seasoned veteran and former Commonwealth champion, Zerafa brings elite-level experience and a reputation for never backing down from a challenge.
WATCH: Nikita Tszyu vs. Michael Zerafa PPV Anywhere
Fighter breakdown: Nikita Tszyu
Tszyu comes in fresh off a first-round stoppage of Lulzim Ismaili in August 2025, capturing the WBO Inter-Continental super welterweight title. At just 27, he has minimal wear and tear and carries genuine fight-ending power in both hands.
Strengths
-
Perfect professional record
-
Elite 82% knockout rate
-
Southpaw stance creates difficult angles
-
Strong jab and explosive combinations
-
Ranked IBF #6 and WBO #12 at 154 lbs
-
Low mileage with fewer than 50 pro rounds
Weaknesses
-
Significant experience gap
-
Limited rounds at championship pace
-
Never faced a veteran like Zerafa
-
Slight height and reach disadvantages
Path to victory: Tszyu’s best chance is to apply early pressure, use southpaw angles, and force Zerafa into exchanges before the fight settles into a slower, tactical rhythm.
Fighter breakdown: Michael Zerafa
Zerafa enters on a four-fight knockout streak and brings 14 years of professional experience into the ring. He has shared the ring with world-class names and has proven he can go deep into tough fights.
Strengths
-
Vast experience across 39 pro bouts
-
Height and reach advantages
-
Championship-distance experience
-
Faced elite fighters like Lara, Brook, and Horn
-
Proven toughness over 223 career rounds
Weaknesses
-
Older fighter at 33
-
Five career losses, including knockout defeats
-
Lower KO percentage than Tszyu
-
Less active in recent years
Path to victory: Zerafa will look to control range with his jab, survive Tszyu’s early power, and use his experience to break down the younger fighter as the rounds progress.
Watch Tszyu vs. Zerafa Anywhere
Broadcast: Main Event PPV (Australia via Kayo Sports),
Alternative and exclusive way to watch Tszyu vs. Zerafa full fight on Boxingbro PPV from anywhere.
Start Time:
- 3:00 a.m. ET / 12:00 a.m. PT Friday (US)
- 7:00 p.m. AEDT / 6:00 p.m. AEST Thursday (Australia local)
- 8:00 a.m. GMT Friday (UK)
Expected Ringwalks:
- 6:00 a.m. ET / 3:00 a.m. PT Friday (US)
- 10:00 p.m. AEDT / 9:00 p.m. AEST Thursday (Australia)
- 11:00 a.m. GMT Friday (UK)
