(January 9th) Australian boxing returns to the national spotlight on Friday, January 16th, when Nikita “The Butcher” Tszyu and Michael "Pretty Boy"  Zerafa finally meet in a long-anticipated main event at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

The event, produced by No Limit Boxing under promoter George Rose, billed as one of the most significant domestic matchups in recent years, fueled by history, family legacy and unfinished business, its roots reach back to several earlier matchups that never materialized giving the Aussie rivals “Bad Blood” titled headline bout set for 10-rounds at a negotiated catchweight of 157 pounds add a sense of unfinished business and narrative continuity.

As fight night approaches, Tszyu versus Zerafa stands as more than just another main event. It is a generational clash between an unbeaten prospect seeking validation and a hardened professional intent on halting that rise. In Brisbane, under bright lights and national attention, the outcome may well shape the next chapter of Australia’s boxing landscape.

Sydney, New South Wales, Tszyu, 11-0, 9Ko’s, the 27-year-old, undefeated younger brother of former world champion Tim Tszyu, the bout represents the most demanding test of his professional career to date. Entering the contest with an unblemished record of 11-0, Tszyu has steadily built momentum while carrying the expectations attached to one of Australia’s most famous boxing surnames.

By contrast, the 33-year-old Melbourne, Victoria native Zerafa, 34–5, 22Ko’s a veteran of multiple high-profile bouts against elite opposition, long regarded as a dangerous and durable operator, capable of derailing rising contenders enters as the seasoned campaigner.

The late cancellation of the high-stakes IBF Welterweight Title Eliminator between Brisbane’s Liam Paro and Ireland’s Paddy Donovan, caused by a Donovan’s illness, shifts the spotlight to a deep supporting card that blends title implications, established names, and crossover intrigue.

Heavyweight action features prominently, with Demsey McKean facing Toese Vou Siutu, while Stevan Ivic meets Liam Talivaa for the Australian heavyweight title. Former NRL star Nelson Asofa-Solomona is also scheduled to make his professional boxing debut at heavyweight against Jeremy Latimore, adding mainstream appeal.

Elsewhere on the card, Liam Wilson takes on Rodex Piala at super featherweight, Blake Wells faces Ainiwaer Yilixiati at middleweight, Max Reeves meets Nathan Silver at super middleweight, and Billy Polkinghorn opens proceedings against Jomar Paliwen.

Full Card

vacant WBO International Middleweight title

Nikita Tszyu 11-0 vs Michael Zerafa,  34-5  10rds

Super Featherweights  

Liam Wilson  17-3 vs Rodex Piala, 12-1 10rds

Middleweights   

Blake Wells 12-2 vs Ainiwaer Yilixiati 20-2 10rds       

Rahim Mundine 2-0 vs Geoff Matthews 0-1 4rds

Australian Heavyweight title

Stevan Ivic 7-0-1 vs Liam Talivaa 7-1 -10rds

Heavyweights    

Demsey McKean 23-2 vs Toese Vousiutu 8-2 8rds 

Nelson Asofa-Solomona Pro-debut vs Jeremy Latimore 1-0 4rds

Super Middleweights     

Max Reeves  11-1-1 vs Sonny Abid 9-2  6rds 

Lightweights

Billy Polkinghorn 4-0 vs Jomar Paliwen 7-1-2 6rds

Super Welterweights

Jack Javed Pro-debut vs Zephy Vaotu'ua Pro-debut 4rds                     

Venue: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Olympic Park

Event Name: Bad Blood

Promoter: George, Trent & Matt Rose No Limit Boxing Promotions

Matchmaker: Trent & Matt Rose

Doors Open: 5:00 p.m. AEDT

First Bout: 6:00 p.m. AEDT

Main Event: Approx. 10:00 p.m. AEDT

Media: Australia Kayo Sports, Australia FOX, Australia Main Event

Tickets ranging from general admission to premium ringside and VIP hospitality packages (which include a 4-hour food/drink package and commemorative lanyard are available via Ticketek Australia just (click here).

No Limit Boxing stands as Australia's premier Aboriginal-owned boxing promotion, thriving under CEO George Rose's leadership since he joined as Managing Director in January 2015 and advanced to CEO in September 2020.

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Founded as a vehicle to elevate Australian boxing, No Limit has transformed into the nation's dominant force, securing major broadcasting partnerships with Main Event and Kayo Sports. Under Rose's business acumen, the promotion expanded from grassroots events to massive spectacles, including the record-breaking Star of the Ring series, Fox Sports' highest-rated boxing telecast. This growth has mainstreamed the sport, drawing huge crowds and building a devoted fan base across the country.

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No Limit champions top-tier Australian fighters, headlined by the Tszyu brothers—Tim and Nikita—alongside stars like Sam Goodman, Liam Wilson, Paul Gallen (formerly), and Olympians Harry Garside and Paulo Aokuso. Iconic events include the 2021 Tim Tszyu vs. Michael Zerafa clash at the Tszyu Castle Entertainment Centre, showcasing the promotion's ability to deliver blockbuster matchups. These bouts highlight No Limit's role in nurturing homegrown talent and international partnerships.

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No Limit actively promotes Indigenous fighters and causes, aligning with Rose's Gamilaroi heritage to foster community engagement and advocacy, such as support for the Voice to Parliament referendum. The company extends its influence through the No Limit Boxing Podcast, offering insider discussions on fight strategies and news. Rose's promotional flair ensures No Limit remains a media powerhouse, consistently shaping Australian sports discourse.