Friday night and the itch for a good scrap is real. You’re probably sitting there, remote in hand, wondering if you missed a weigh-in or if there’s a sneaky card tucked away on a streaming service you haven't checked in months. Well, if you are looking for the answer to is there any boxing matches tonight, you’ve actually hit a bit of a jackpot for a Friday.
Usually, Fridays are the appetizers for the massive Saturday stadium shows. Not today. Tonight, January 16, 2026, we have a mix of high-stakes regional grudges and solid developmental cards across two continents. Whether you are an early riser or a night owl, there is a ring walk happening somewhere.
The Big One: Nikita Tszyu vs. Michael Zerafa
If you’re in Australia, or you just don't mind the absolute chaos of the AEST time zone, the Brisbane Entertainment Centre is the place to be. This isn't just a fight; it’s a genuine domestic explosion. Nikita Tszyu, the younger brother of Tim and son of the legend Kostya, is putting that famous last name on the line against "Pretty Boy" Michael Zerafa.
Honestly, this matchup is fascinating because of the crossroads element. Zerafa has been the villain of Australian boxing for years—the guy everyone loves to see tested. He’s experienced, he’s slick, and he’s fought the likes of Kell Brook and Isaac Hardman. Meanwhile, Nikita is "The Butcher." He’s chaotic, aggressive, and frankly, a bit of a terrifying human being once the bell rings.
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- Venue: Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Australia
- Broadcast: Kayo Sports / Main Event
- The Stakes: Bragging rights for the "King of Australia" and a massive leap toward a world title shot.
There is a huge undercard here too. We’ve already seen Nelson Asofa-Solomona, the former NRL enforcer, make his pro debut tonight. He didn't just win; he absolutely steamrolled Jeremy Latimore with a first-round uppercut that’s going to be on highlight reels all week. If you’re looking for heavyweights, this card has them in spades.
Golden Boy Returns to Palm Desert
For the fans in the States, the action shifts to the Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California. Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions is running a card that features some of the most reliable "action fighters" in the welterweight and super bantamweight divisions.
The main event features Alexis Rocha vs. Raul Curiel 2. This is a rematch people have been quietly asking for. Their first encounter was a tactical affair, but both guys have gotten more aggressive since then. Rocha is looking to solidify his spot as a top-tier contender after some ups and downs. Curiel, an Olympian with serious pedigree, needs this win to prove he isn't just a "prospect" anymore.
The Palm Desert Fight List:
- Alexis Rocha vs. Raul Curiel 2 (Welterweight)
- Manuel Flores vs. Jorge Chavez (Super Bantamweight)
- Joel Iriarte vs. Jireh De Los Santos (Welterweight)
Flores and Chavez is a sleeper for "Fight of the Night." Both of these guys treat defense as an optional suggestion. Expect a lot of leather flying early. You can catch this whole card on DAZN, usually starting around 8:00 PM EST.
Why Tonight’s Schedule Matters for the Rest of 2026
You might think these are just "regular" fights, but 2026 is shaping up to be a transition year for the sport. With the "Big Four" in various divisions looking for their next mandatory challengers, tonight is essentially a series of high-stakes auditions.
For example, the winner of Tszyu vs. Zerafa is almost guaranteed a massive payday in the US later this year. The Australian market is booming, and US promoters are hungry to bring that "Tszyu energy" back to Las Vegas. If Nikita wins impressively, the talk of a world title fight becomes a reality rather than just promotional hype.
Similarly, Alexis Rocha is fighting for his career relevance. In the welterweight division, one loss can send you to the back of a very long line. A dominant win tonight puts him right back in the conversation with the elite.
How to Watch Boxing Tonight
Finding where to watch can be a headache with all the different apps. Here is the quick breakdown of where to find the action:
- DAZN: This is your home for the Rocha vs. Curiel card. It’s accessible via most smart TVs, gaming consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X), and mobile devices.
- Kayo / Main Event: If you are watching the Tszyu fight from outside Australia, you might need to check for a local international carrier or a dedicated boxing streaming site like FITE.tv (now TrillerTV), though Kayo is the primary home for No Limit Boxing events.
- ESPN+: Keep an eye on the late-night feeds for highlights or smaller international cards that occasionally pop up on the "Boxing" tab.
Actionable Steps for Fight Night
If you're planning to tune in, don't just mindlessly scroll. Here is how to make the most of tonight's fights:
- Check the Ring Walks: Remember that the "start time" is usually for the undercard. If you only care about Rocha or Tszyu, add about 2–3 hours to the start of the broadcast. For the Brisbane card, the main event is expected around 10:00 PM AEDT.
- Follow Live Blogs: Sites like BoxingScene or The Ring usually run round-by-round updates. This is great if you're stuck at dinner and want to know if someone got dropped.
- Verify Your Subscription: There's nothing worse than the main event starting and realizing your DAZN subscription lapsed. Log in early.
- Look Ahead: If tonight gets you hyped, remember that next week (January 24) is even bigger with Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz in Las Vegas. Use tonight to get a feel for the current form of these weight classes.
Boxing is a sport of momentum. Tonight, we see who keeps theirs and whose 2026 plans go up in smoke before the month is even over. Stay sharp and enjoy the fights.