Nikita Tszyu vs Michael Zerafa: Match card, start time, where to watch & more
Are you all set to witness the biggest grudge matches in recent Australian boxing history?
Australian boxing is set for one of its most heated showdowns in years as Nikita Tszyu and Michael Zerafa prepare to finally settle their long-running rivalry at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.
Scheduled for Friday, January 16, 2026, from 7pm AEDT, the highly anticipated main event headlines a stacked card featuring a mix of established contenders, rising prospects, and a massive crossover debut.
The bad blood between Tszyu and Zerafa has simmered for years, fueled by public call-outs, escalating trash talk, and repeated delays. Now, the two will stand across the ring in a 10-round middleweight clash that promises intensity from the opening bell.
The event also features significant heavyweight power, with Demsey McKean vs Toese Vousiutu serving as the co-main attraction, along with the professional boxing debut of former NRL powerhouse Nelson Asofa-Solomona, who meets Jeremy Latimore in a four-round bout.
Heavyweight contenders Stevan Ivic and Liam Talivaa collide over ten rounds, while Liam Wilson returns in a ten-round super featherweight contest against Rodex Piala.
The prelims feature rising talent, including Max Reeves, Billy Polkinghorn, Blake Wells, and Jack Javed, ensuring fans will enjoy action from the opening fights all the way through the blockbuster finale. With high stakes, national attention, and years of animosity behind it, Tszyu vs Zerafa is shaping up as an Australian boxing classic.
Nikita Tszyu vs Michael Zerafa main card
- Nikita Tszyu vs Michael Zerafa – 10 rounds (Middleweight)
- Demsey McKean vs Toese Vousiutu – 8 rounds (Heavyweight)
- Nelson Asofa-Solomona vs Jeremy Latimore – 4 rounds (Heavyweight)
- Stevan Ivic vs Liam Talivaa – 10 rounds (Heavyweight)
- Liam Wilson vs Rodex Piala – 10 rounds (Super Featherweight)
Nikita Tszyu vs Michael Zerafa preliminary card
- Max Reeves vs Sonny Abid – 6 rounds (Super Middleweight)
- Billy Polkinghorn vs Jomar Paliwen – 6 rounds (Lightweight)
- Blake Wells vs Ainiwaer Yilixiati – 10 rounds (Middleweight)
- Jack Javed vs Zephy Vaotu’ua – 4 rounds (Super Welterweight)
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Nikita Tszyu vs Michael Zerafa – 10 rounds (Middleweight)
The clash between Nikita Tszyu and Michael Zerafa is more than a domestic rivalry; it is a collision between two fighters at very different stages of their careers, meeting at the exact moment their trajectories demand it.
Tszyu, the heavy-handed southpaw with explosive pressure and knockout instincts, continues his rapid rise as one of Australia’s most talked-about prospects. Each fight has sharpened his timing, composure, and finishing ability, but Zerafa represents his toughest and most seasoned opponent yet.
A former world-title challenger with wins over Jeff Horn and Anthony Mundine, Zerafa brings experience, ring IQ, and a willingness to disrupt expectations. With pride, rankings, and reputations on the line, this showdown promises high stakes and genuine animosity inside the ropes.
When & how to watch Nikita Tszyu vs Michael Zerafa?
The Nikita Tszyu vs Michael Zerafa fight takes place on Friday, January 16, 2025, at Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. You can watch it live exclusively on Kayo Sports PPV and DAZN.
Nikita Tszyu vs Michael Zerafa telecast details
| Country / Region | Local Time & Date | Prelims Start | Main Card | Main Event | Telecast |
| United States (ET) | Fri, Jan 16 | 12:30 AM ET | 3:00 AM ET | 6:00 AM ET | DAZN |
| United States (CT) | Thu–Fri, Jan 15–16 | 11:30 PM CT (Jan 15) | 2:00 AM CT | 5:00 AM CT | DAZN |
| United States (PT) | Thu–Fri, Jan 15–16 | 9:30 PM PT (Jan 15) | 12:00 AM PT | 3:00 AM PT | DAZN |
| Alaska (AKST) | Thu–Fri, Jan 15–16 | 8:30 PM AKST (Jan 15) | 11:00 PM AKST | 2:00 AM AKST | DAZN |
| Hawaii (HST) | Thu–Fri, Jan 15–16 | 7:30 PM HST (Jan 15) | 10:00 PM HST | 1:00 AM HST | DAZN |
| Canada (ET) | Fri, Jan 16 | 12:30 AM ET | 3:00 AM ET | 6:00 AM ET | DAZN |
| United Kingdom & Ireland (GMT) | Fri, Jan 16 | 5:30 AM GMT | 8:00 AM GMT | 11:00 AM GMT | DAZN |
| France (CET) | Fri, Jan 16 | 6:30 AM CET | 9:00 AM CET | 12:00 PM CET | DAZN |
| Saudi Arabia (AST) | Fri, Jan 16 | 8:30 AM AST | 11:00 AM AST | 2:00 PM AST | DAZN |
| India (IST) | Fri, Jan 16 | 11:00 AM IST | 1:30 PM IST | 4:30 PM IST | DAZN |
| Bangladesh (BST) | Fri, Jan 16 | 11:30 AM BST | 2:00 PM BST | 5:00 PM BST | DAZN |
| Japan (JST) | Sat, Jan 17 | 2:30 PM JST | 5:00 PM JST | 8:00 PM JST | DAZN |
| Mexico (CST) | Thu–Fri, Jan 15–16 | 11:30 PM CST (Jan 15) | 2:00 AM CST | 5:00 AM CST | DAZN |
| Brazil (BRT) | Fri, Jan 16 | 2:30 AM BRT | 5:00 AM BRT | 8:00 AM BRT | DAZN |
| Australia (AEST) | Fri, Jan 16 | 3:30 PM AEST | 6:00 PM AEST | 9:00 PM AEST | Main Event/Kayo |
| Australia (AEDT) | Fri, Jan 16 | 4:30 PM AEDT | 7:00 PM AEDT | 10:00 PM AEDT | Main Event/Kayo |
What time does Nikita Tszyu vs Michael Zerafa start?
The event begins with prelims at 4:30 p.m. AEDT, followed by the main card at 7:00 p.m. AEDT. The projected ring walks for the Tszyu vs. Zerafa main event are scheduled for around 10:00 p.m. AEDT.
Where can I watch Tszyu vs Michael Zerafa live?
The entire fight card will be broadcast live on Main Event and Kayo in Australia. International viewers can watch via DAZN, depending on regional availability.
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Blesson Daniel is a sub-editor who spends his days organizing words and managing social media, crafting bursts of creativity designed to make people smile. He occasionally dives into writing as well — whether it’s crafting articles, brainstorming ideas, or finding the perfect caption. Believing that every piece of writing offers an opportunity to tell a story, Blesson brings creativity and thoughtfulness to every project he takes on. When he’s not glued to his laptop, Blesson is likely planning his next travel adventure or losing himself in music. A passionate explorer of new places, sounds, and ideas, he believes in balancing work, play, and a good playlist in the background. Whether he’s editing, writing, or daydreaming about his next trip, Blesson is always chasing that sweet spot where creativity and curiosity collide to create something memorable.