Australian boxing legend Jeff Fenech has publicly endorsed Michael Zerafa to defeat Nikita Tszyu in a highly anticipated bout scheduled for January 16, 2026. This significant matchup, set to unfold in Brisbane, has sparked considerable excitement among fans, marking it as one of the most important domestic fights in recent years.
Fenech, speaking with Fox Sports Australia, expressed confidence in Zerafa’s ability to deliver Tszyu his first career loss, albeit with a notable caveat about the unpredictability of the fighter’s performance. He emphasized that while he sees Zerafa as the frontrunner, the outcome hinges on whether the best version of Zerafa shows up in the ring. “If we’re going on boxing ability – Michael Zerafa. That’s my pick,” Fenech stated.
Fight Background and Rivalry
The fight, set to begin at 19:00 AEDT, has been steeped in tension and rivalry, given the long-standing feud between the two fighters. The animosity has been fueled by past incidents, including Zerafa’s controversial withdrawal from a scheduled fight against Tim Tszyu in 2021. The upcoming bout promises to settle longstanding grievances and has been dubbed the greatest grudge match in Australian boxing this decade.
Fenech, who has a history of friendship with both Tszyu brothers, acknowledged that this fight represents a 50/50 contest. “This really is a tough one to pick,” he remarked, noting the close odds, with both fighters at $1.96 according to Sportsbet. At 33, Zerafa is six years older than the undefeated Tszyu, whose record stands at 11-0. Despite Tszyu’s impressive start, Fenech believes that Zerafa poses the toughest test of Tszyu’s career thus far.
Zerafa has faced notable opponents, including Kell Brook, Peter Quillin, Jeff Horn, and Erislandy Lara, which adds to his experience in high-pressure situations. Fenech reflected on the fight, stating that it is crucial for both fighters to deliver their best performance, as the fight could be decided by which fighter lands the cleanest punches first.
Zerafa’s Potential and Mental Preparation
Fenech also highlighted Zerafa’s past potential, recalling a sparring session where Zerafa displayed exceptional skills against rising prospect Daniel Lewis. “I remember leaving afterwards thinking ‘wow, this kid could be anything,’” Fenech shared, noting that Zerafa has not consistently shown that level of talent in his fights. He stressed that motivation may play a critical role in Zerafa’s performance on fight night.
Meanwhile, Tszyu has expressed that he is in a better mental state to handle any pre-fight provocations from Zerafa. He referenced an infamous moment from five years ago when Zerafa mocked his legendary father, Kostya Tszyu, during an interview. “The stuff he said five years ago definitely got under my skin,” Tszyu confessed, but he emphasized his growth and understanding of how to channel those emotions into his performance.
As fight night approaches, both fighters are preparing for what could be a defining moment in their careers. For Tszyu, this fight represents an opportunity to elevate his status, while for Zerafa, it could be a chance to finally achieve his long-held ambition of becoming a world champion. The matchup promises not only to deliver high-stakes action but also to reignite a fierce rivalry that has captivated boxing fans across Australia and beyond.
