Tszyu Zerafa grudge match expected January Australia

Australian boxing fans will finally witness a long-anticipated grudge match between undefeated Nikita Tszyu and veteran Michael Zerafa, scheduled for January 16, 2026, with the venue yet to be confirmed but likely to be a neutral location such as Brisbane or the Gold Coast. The bout has been years in the making, stemming from Zerafa's withdrawal from a planned fight with Tszyu's brother Tim in 2021, which fueled animosity between the camps. Both fighters returned to the ring strongly in August 2025, with Tszyu overcoming a year-long injury hiatus and Zerafa capturing the WBO Inter-Continental Middleweight title, setting the stage for their clash. Tszyu, undefeated in 11 fights, views this as a crucial step to cement his status as a world title contender, while Zerafa seeks redemption and a path to potentially face Tim Tszyu in the future. The fight will likely occur at a catchweight around 71.5kg, accommodating both fighters despite campaigning in adjacent divisions. The buildup has been charged with personal insults and tension, with Tszyu openly criticizing Zerafa's character and past behavior, intensifying the anticipation for this blockbuster Australian showdown.