Nikita Tszyu v Michael Zerafa on Kayo Sports Main Event – Big time boxing returns to Main Event on Friday, January 16th with a blockbuster card headlined by the Nikita Tszyu v Michael Zerafa grudge match and featuring the professional boxing debut of former NRL star Nelson Asofa-Solomona.
Main Event on Kayo SPORTS and Foxtel will give fans around the country a front-row seat to this must-see extravaganza with live and exclusive coverage from the Brisbane Entertainment Centre to commence at 7pm AEDT.
The fiercest rivalry in Australian boxing will be settled once and for all when Nikita Tszyu (11 wins / 0 losses) and Michael Zerafa (34 wins / 5 losses) square off in a middleweight showdown five years in the making.
The bad blood between these fighters is real. In 2021, Zerafa famously pulled out of a super fight against Tim Tszyu citing concerns over COVID-19 restrictions. That excuse didn’t go down well with Team Tszyu, and now younger brother Nikita has vowed to stop Zerafa once and for all.
“The time for talk is over,”
– Nikita Tszyu said.
“He has been going back and forth with his mouth for years. I’m sick of his voice and it’s going to give me great joy to shut him up once and for all on January 16th.
“He made it personal and now I’m going to stop him. I can’t wait!,”
– Tszyu said.
For Zerafa, this fight provides an opportunity to silence his critics and the Tszyu’s once and for all.
Despite stepping onto the canvas with some of the best fighters in his division, the 33-year-old Victorian has long felt disrespected by both Tim and Nikita Tszyu.
“In my opinion, Tim and Nikita have never given me the respect I deserve,”
– Zerafa said.
“They have the famous name but I’m going to show them just how devastating I can be.
“My preparation has been faultless. I’ve left no stone unturned and in a few weeks the world is going to see just what I can do,”
– Zerafa said.
Supporting the main event will be the professional boxing debut of former Melbourne Storm and New Zealand international Nelson Asofa-Solomona.
Asofa-Solomona has traded the security of a guaranteed contract in the NRL or Rugby Union to pursue his dream of becoming a boxing world champion.
For his professional debut, the towering Kiwi will square off against former Cronulla Sharks and St George Illawarra Dragons forward Jeremey Lattimore (1 win / 0 losses).
“It’s been a goal of mine to test myself in the boxing ring and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to make my debut on such a strong promotion,”
– Asofa-Solomona said.
“I don’t really know too much about my opponent’s boxing pedigree. I’m just focused on my preparation and being prepared mentally and physically for what’s ahead.
“I’ve had a fantastic camp, and I can’t wait for that bell to ring for Round 1on January 16th.”
No Limit Boxing have once again delivered a stacked card to kick off the year with Steven Ivic (7 wins / 1 draw / 0 losses) set to clash with Liam Talivaa (7 wins / 1 loss) for the Australian heavyweight title, while fan favourite Liam Wilson (17 wins / 3 losses) will return to the ring for a clash against Rodex Piala (12 wins / 1 loss).
“We ended 2025 on a high with Timmy Tszyu and Sam Goodman delivering great fights and what better way to start 2026 with an all-Australian grudge match,”
– No Limit Boxing CEO George Rose said.
“Nikita Tszyu and Michael Zerafa have talked it up for a while and now finally the score will be settled.
“Nelson Asofa Solomona has left the NRL at the peak of his powers and I’m excited to see what he can do in the boxing ring. He is super fit, strong and has a healthy boxing pedigree. I really think we are in for something special.
“Then we have National Heavyweight title up for grabs and Liam Wilson returning to Brisbane where he always likes to put on a show.”
“It’s a spectacular card so make sure you buy your tickets or order the Pay-Per-View now on Main Event,”
– Rose said.
Order now: https://mainevent.kayosports.com.au/boxing/tszyu-vs-zerafa
Media Release – Kayo
Link to Kayo HERE
TV Central Fighting content HERE
Nikita Tszyu v Michael Zerafa on Kayo Sports Main Event
