Australian boxing star Nikita Tszyu is poised to make his grand return to the squared circle on Wednesday, August 20, at the prestigious ICC Sydney Theatre. This event marks his first fight in nearly a year, since his dominant nine-round victory over Koen Mazoudier last August. Tszyu, who boasts an unblemished record of 10 wins with 8 knockouts, is ready to showcase his refined skills and power.
Known as “The Butcher” for his aggressive southpaw style, Tszyu will face the seventh undefeated opponent of his burgeoning career. His formidable adversary will be Lulzim Ismaili, a Macedonian fighter based in Germany, who also maintains a perfect record of 12 wins, including 7 by knockout. This bout carries significant weight as it will contest a minor WBO championship, adding another layer of intensity to Tszyu's return.
Tszyu expressed his readiness and motivation for the upcoming challenge, stating, “It’s been a while, but I haven’t been sitting still. I’ve used the time to reset, refocus and take things to another level.” He further emphasized his fighting philosophy: “Ismaili’s undefeated and dangerous — and that’s exactly what I want. I’m not here to play it safe. I’m here to entertain and knock people out on my climb to the top.”
The co-main event promises another captivating clash, featuring seasoned middleweight contender Michael Zerafa, who will face Indiana's Mikey Dahlman. Zerafa brings an impressive record of 33 wins and 5 losses, with 21 knockouts, while Dahlman holds a solid record of 18 wins with only 1 loss, and 16 knockouts. Speculation is rife that a victory for both Tszyu and Zerafa could set the stage for a highly anticipated all-Australian superfight between the two, a matchup that has long been discussed within the boxing community.
George Rose, CEO of No Limit Boxing, shared his excitement about the event, highlighting the significance of Tszyu's return and the potential for future blockbusters. “This is the comeback Australian boxing fans have been waiting for,” said Rose, recalling Tszyu’s last performance as one of the most thrilling ever seen. He emphasized Tszyu's willingness to face tough, undefeated opponents. Rose also acknowledged the "controversial" yet significant return of Zerafa, recognizing the deep history between Zerafa and the Tszyu family. He concluded by asserting that if both fighters emerge victorious, it would “open the door for one of the biggest all-Australian fights we’ve seen in years,” making this a fight night not to be missed.
The event will also feature a promising undercard, showcasing a lineup of emerging talents. Boxing enthusiasts can look forward to performances from Brock Jarvis, Jasmine Parr, Brandon Grach, and Ahmad Reda, who are all scheduled to compete and add to the excitement of the evening.