Nikita Tszyu to make long-awaited boxing comeback in August

After nearly 12 months out of the ring, Nikita Tszyu is set for his long-awaited boxing comeback.

Nikita Tszyu will make his long awaited return to the ring on August 20, nearly exactly a year after his last fight, and just in time for a proposed showdown with Michael Zerafa later in the year.

Tszyu has been out of action since his August 28, 2024 fight of the year win over Koen Mazoudier.

The 27-year-old had surgery on tendons in his hand following that dramatic ninth round stoppage win, and suffered a series of setbacks in his recovery.

Tszyu then welcomed the birth of his first child, a daughter named Curiosity, last week, but will be fit and firing to return next month.

Tszyu hasn’t fought since his win over Koen Mazoudier last August. Picture: No Limit Boxing

Tszyu has been linked to a fight with Zerafa later in the year. That bout would likely be at middleweight, with Zerafa eyeing up a WBA world title fight if he wins.

It has been a hectic year for Nikita already.

‘The Butcher’ was married in a lowkey ceremony in January, and was initially scheduled to return to the ring in May in Sydney, before those plans were shelved.

He was then slated to fight in Cairns last week, but that was put on ice as well.

Instead, Nikita will fight exactly one month after older brother Tim’s must-win world title rematch against Sebastian Fundora in Las Vegas.

No opponent has been confirmed, but several names are in the mix.

Meanwhile, Melbourne and Sydney are possible destinations the fight could be held.

“The Butcher is back, baby,” No Limit boss George Rose said. “You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone, and we’ve all been craving Nikita Tszyu.

Tszyu celebrates his win over Dylan Biggs in 2023. Picture: No Limit Boxing

“He’s special. He’s unique. He’s must-see TV.

“Nikita’s style, energy and chaos is unlike anything else in the sport.

“Now he’s healthy, he’s focused, and he’s ready to bring that unmissable all-action brand of boxing back.

“Nikita Tszyu is not just a fighter, he’s an experience.

“And the timing couldn’t be better with Tim heading to Las Vegas to bring home the WBC belt against Fundora.

“Then just a few weeks later, Nikita steps back in for what’s shaping as one of the biggest months in the history of Australian boxing.

“This is a huge month. For the sport. For the fan. And for the Tszyu name.”

Originally published as Nikita Tszyu to make long-awaited boxing comeback in August