Upstart second-generation fighter Nikita Tszyu aims to further make a name for himself when he takes on Michael Zerafa on Friday in Australia.

Tszyu (11-0, 9 KOs) – the son of Kostya and brother of Tim – is taking a serious step up in competition against the well-seasoned and experienced Australian countryman Zerafa (34-5, 22 KOs).

“He’s achieved a lot already, he’s reached the pinnacle in challenging for a world title,” said Tszyu. “He’s been unsuccessful multiple times but he’s experienced it all. I’m still yet to experience it. I’m still on the rise, I can still see above me and there is a lot of drive to get there, I think that can be the motivating factor.

“It’s a huge fight for me. It’s a moment where I get to elevate myself and I’m fighting one of the toughest opponents in the country. He poses a threat I’ve never faced before and the experience that he has, the skills that he has, they’re all new to me.”

Tszyu, 27, has wiped out second-rate opposition since turning pro in 2022.

The 33-year-old Zerafa, meanwhile, has fallen short when he’s stepped up against the likes of Erislandy Lara (KO2), Kell Brook (UD12) and Peter Quillin (KO5). He also has a knockout win and majority decision loss against former welterweight titleholder Jeff Horn.

“Nikita is hot and cold, he hasn’t fought the guys I’ve fought,” said Zerafa. ”Sometimes he’s on, sometimes he’s off and you never know what Nikita is going to show up. I’m an experienced fighter. He thinks I’m past my best, I think I’m going into my best. I know people want Nikita to knock me out but I plan on doing the same. Either way someone will be looking up at the roof – expect fireworks.”

Tszyu is expecting the fight to be a passing of the torch of sorts in Australian boxing.

“He’s more on the tail end of his career. He’s had a very good career already and could be the final piece for him, whereas I have a bright future ahead of me,” said Tszyu.

“From what I’ve seen in his recent fights he hasn’t shown any kind of crazy growth. Maybe this fight would bring something out of him … He’s already thinking about the retirement plan and that’s not the kind of mindset I have. I’m going in there to win and he’s already giving himself an exit strategy.”