Nikita Tszyu vs Ben Mahoney fight start time, how to watch and live stream, full card, odds, Ultimate Guide

Nikita Tszyu is on the verge of crashing into the world title picture.

But standing in his way on Wednesday night is an unbeaten Aussie who has been waiting a long time for an opportunity like this.

Tszyu and Ben Mahoney will collide in a huge all-Aussie showdown on the Gold Coast, with their IBF super-welterweight world title eliminator headlining a stacked card at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Tszyu v Mahoney | Wednesday August 26 from 7pm AEST | The only thing standing between Nikita and an IBF world title shot is Ben Mahoney. The stage is set for an All-Australian blockbuster with the winner securing a direct shot at IBF champion, Josh Kelly. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.

Tszyu (12-0, 10 KOs) comes in as the favourite and one of Aussie boxing’s biggest drawcards, but Mahoney (17-0-1, 9 KOs) brings considerably more experience and, importantly, has never been beaten.

And with a potential shot at IBF champion Josh Kelly waiting on the other side – not to mention some huge names already being discussed for Tszyu – there is plenty riding on this one.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Nikita Tszyu versus Ben Mahoney.

WHEN IS TSZYU VS MAHONEY?

Nikita Tszyu vs Ben Mahoney takes place on Wednesday, August 26 at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The prelims begin from 5pm AEST, before the main card gets underway from 7pm AEST.

HOW TO WATCH TSZYU VS MAHONEY

The prelims will be shown live on Kayo Sports and Fox Sports from 5pm AEST.

The main card then begins from 7pm AEST, live on Kayo Sports and Main Event.

Fox Sports Australia will also be running a live blog on the night.

WHAT IS AT STAKE?

A whole lot.

Tszyu-Mahoney is officially an IBF super-welterweight world title eliminator, with the winner earning the opportunity to move towards a showdown with reigning IBF champ Josh Kelly.

For Tszyu, a win would also keep alive several potentially massive fights that are already being discussed for his future.

The Butcher has been linked with former world champions Keith Thurman and Tony Harrison, but all of that becomes considerably less relevant if he cannot first get past Mahoney.

For Mahoney, meanwhile, Wednesday night is the opportunity to set fire to those plans entirely.

The former Muay Thai champion has spent a decade working his way through the Aussie boxing scene and now gets the chance to transform his career with one win.

WHAT’S BEEN SAID?

There has been plenty of respect between Tszyu and Mahoney in the build-up – although that hasn’t stopped either man from identifying exactly where they believe they have the edge.

Tszyu has described Mahoney as potentially the most skilled opponent of his career and a measuring stick for his own world title ambitions.

“Ben Mahoney is probably the most technical fighter I’ve ever had to face, and I’ve always viewed him as the guy I need to beat to get to the world stage,” Tszyu said.

“He’s going to be hard, and I have to be really prepared for it.”

And while Tszyu admits he likes Mahoney outside the ring, that relationship goes right out the window once the bell goes.

“Look, he’s a nice guy. But it won’t mean anything on fight night,” Tszyu said.

“I flick the switch and he’s standing in the way of everything I’ve worked so hard for.”

Mahoney has been equally complimentary about Tszyu’s strengths – describing him as “big, strong, explosive” – but has also made clear he sees weaknesses in ‘The Butcher’.

“He’s a good fighter who is big, strong, explosive and comes in there to get his fights done … but there are also a lot of holes in his game,” Mahoney said.

And while the bookmakers have Mahoney as a sizeable underdog, the Gold Coast local insisted at Monday’s final press conference that those inside boxing see the fight very differently.

“The people that know me, the people that have worked with me and the people in boxing have me as the favourite,” Mahoney said.

WHAT DOES KOEN MAZOUDIER THINK?

There may not be anyone better placed to assess this fight than Koen Mazoudier.

The Sydneysider has shared the ring with both men, fighting Mahoney to a draw in 2023 before going nine brutal rounds with Tszyu the following year.

Tszyu eventually stopped Mazoudier in the ninth round of that 2024 thriller.

And when asked by Fox Sports Australia last week to pick Wednesday night’s winner, Mazoudier didn’t need much time to think about it.

“I see Nikita crushing him,” Mazoudier told Fox Sports Australia.

Mazoudier believes Mahoney has the ability to make things difficult, but ultimately expects Tszyu’s pressure and physicality to prove too much.

His tip on how it finishes?

Tszyu by stoppage.

Mazoudier will also have some business of his own to take care of on Wednesday night, with the Blacktown talent facing Sam Beck in his first fight at middleweight.

And there is plenty riding on that one, too.

No Limit boss George Rose revealed on Monday that should Mazoudier get past Beck, he will fight former world champion Jermall Charlo next.

MORE BOXING:

‘His f***ing mum’s backyard’: How Aussie got second shot at boxing superstar after crushing twist

All-NRL heavyweight blockbuster now ‘inevitable’ as $1m Gallen comeback twist revealed

TSZYU VS MAHONEY FULL FIGHT CARD

MAIN CARD — FROM 7PM AEST

Nikita Tszyu vs Ben Mahoney

IBF super-welterweight world title eliminator

Callum Peters vs Blake Wells

IBF Pan Pacific middleweight title

Kirra Ruston vs Saundre Simmons

IBF Pan Pacific light-heavyweight title

Koen Mazoudier vs Sam Beck

Middleweight

Brandon Grach vs Ike Pluto

Heavyweight

PRELIMS — FROM 5PM AEST

Rahim Mundine vs Jae Larsen

Max Reeves vs Oliver Firth

Callum Young vs Octavio Soares

Louise Creaven vs Thanchanok Phanan

Luke Williams vs Prem RungTiwa

TALE OF THE TAPE

NIKITA TSZYU

Age: 28

Record: 12-0 (10 KOs)

Stance: Southpaw

Height: 177cm

Reach: 178cm

KO percentage: 83%

BEN MAHONEY

Age: 31

Record: 17-0-1 (9 KOs)

Stance: Orthodox

Height: 180cm

Reach: 180cm

KO percentage: 53%

BETTING ODDS

Tszyu enters Wednesday night’s showdown as a strong favourite with Sportsbet.

Nikita Tszyu – $1.18

Ben Mahoney – $5.50

PREDICTIONS

Nick Walshaw: Nikita Tszyu TKO R6

Ben Mahoney is absolutely the biggest test of Tszyu’s career. But there’s also a power difference between these two, which we’re tipping will prove the difference.

James Cooney: Nikita Tszyu TKO R8

I can see Mahoney having success early, but as the fight wears on, I expect Tszyu’s pressure and power to take over before The Butcher eventually finds a home for that left hand.