Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Nikita Tszyu vs. Michael Zerafa: Preview, storylines

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Prince Horton | Last updated Jan 13, 2026 3:00 AM ET

All-Australian main events don’t come around often, and when they do, they tend to carry extra weight. This one is no exception. With national pride, local momentum, and long-term positioning on the line, this matchup represents a defining moment rather than a routine headliner. For one fighter, it’s a clear step up against proven domestic opposition. For the other, it’s an opportunity to halt momentum and reassert relevance on home soil.

Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images

The showdown between Nikita Tszyu and Michael Zerafa headlines No Limit Boxing’s January card, turning years of bad blood into a sanctioned main event. Tszyu enters carrying one of boxing’s most recognizable surnames — the son of a legend Kostya Tszyu and the younger brother of former WBO world champion Tim Tszyu — while Zerafa embraces the role of spoiler, intent on disrupting another chapter of the Tszyu legacy.

Date and Start Time

Date: Friday, January 16, 2026
Local Start Time:
6:00 PM AEDT 5:00 PM AEST
U.S. Start Time (Approx.):
2:00 AM ET (Saturday, Jan. 17) 11:00 PM PT (Friday, Jan. 16)

This reflects the Australian prime-time slot while clarifying the late-night/early-morning window for U.S. viewers.

How to Watch

Broadcast: Pay-Per-View
Streaming Platform: Kayo Sports
PPV Access:https://mainevent.kayosports.com

The event will stream live on PPV via Kayo Sports’ Main Event platform, with purchases available through the official site.

Venue Information

Venue: Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

The Brisbane Entertainment Centre provides a major-arena backdrop for one of Australia’s most anticipated boxing cards of the year.

Full Fight Card

Nikita Tszyu vs. Michael Zerafa
Catchweight (157 lbs) — 10 rounds
WBO International Middleweight Title
Liam Paro vs. Paddy Donovan
IBF Welterweight World Title Eliminator
Demsey McKean vs. Toese Vousiutu
Heavyweight bout
Nelson Asofa-Solomona vs. Jeremy Latimore
Heavyweight — 4 rounds
Stevan Ivic vs. Liam Talivaa
Australian Heavyweight Title — 1 round
Liam Wilson vs. Rodex Piala
WBO International Super Featherweight Title — 10 rounds
Max Reeves vs. Sonny Abid
Super Middleweight — 6 rounds
Blake Wells vs. Ainiwaer Yilixiati
BF Pan Pacific Middleweight Title — 10 rounds
Jack Javed vs. Zephy Vaotu'ua
Bout details TBA