Nikita Tszyu vs. Michael Zerafa Ends in a No Contest
Brisbane, Australia (January 17th, 2026)– Nikita Tszyu and Michael Zerafa on Friday, January 16, 2026, ended in a controversial no-contest (NC). The fight was prematurely stopped in the third round due to an accidental head clash that caused a cut above Zerafa’s left eye.
The decision sparked significant controversy, with many in the boxing community, including Nikita’s brother Tim Tszyu, accusing Zerafa of quitting. Zerafa claimed it was a misunderstanding and that he only said his vision was “blurry,” not that he couldn’t see at all, and that the doctor was the one who stopped the fight. A potential rematch is uncertain, as promoter No Limit Boxing has not confirmed any plans for a rematch.
BOXING RESULTS FROM BRISBANE. AUSTRALIA
Nikita Tszyu vs. Michael Zerafa was deemed a no-contest (middleweight)
Demsey McKean def. Toese Vousiutu by seventh round TKO (heavyweight)
Nelson Asofa-Solomona def. Jeremy Latimore by first-round KO (heavyweight)
Stevan Ivic def. Liam Talivaa by majority decision (heavyweight)
Liam Wilson def. Rodex Piala by fourth-round KO (super featherweight)
Max Reeves def. Sonny Abid by unanimous decision (super middleweight)
Billy Polkinghorn def. Jomar Paliwen by unanimous decision (lightweight)
Blake Wells def. Ainiwaer Yilixiati by unanimous decision (middleweight)
Jack Javed def. Zephy Vaotu’ua by unanimous decision (super welterweight)
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