LIVE: Big fears for Tszyu after weight cut drama … but he promises ...

6 days ago

Fox Sports

Nikita Tszyu takes on Danilo Creati in his first defence of the Australian super welterweight title at the Hordern Pavilion.

Follow all the action in our live blog below!

BOXING: Nikita Tszyu returns to the ring for the first time in 2024 to defend his title against Danilo Creati plus another 4 big titles on the card | WED 24 APR 7PM AEST | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.

GLOVE MEETING EXPLODES AS RIVALS ALMOST COME TO BLOWS

Nikita Tszyu’s latest Pay-Per-View event is set for a fiery curtain raiser after the two entourages involved in tonight’s IBF world title eliminator were involved in a heated exchange during a regulation meeting over gloves -- with suggestions the row almost became physical.

Fox Sports Australia has been told the two teams for Jerome Pampellone and Malik Zinad — who will contest the IBF light heavyweight eliminator -- were involved in a fiery verbal stoush that, ironically, had nothing to do with the gloves being used -- but allegations of disrespect.

It is understood Zinad was presented with three gloves from Pampellone’s team, one of which had the Kiwi’s name written on them.

However, despite featuring his rival’s name, Zinad decided he wanted those gloves, much to the surprise of Pampellone’s camp.

It sparked a tense back and forth which, amid the chaos and profanities, allegedly saw somebody on a table and Zinad’s brother hurl his set of gloves at Pampellone’s trainer Isaac Peach.

The exchange, which occurred during a glove meeting inside an Entertainment Quarter office on Tuesday evening, ensures tonight’s co-main will be an explosive affair between the two unbeaten fighters.

With tensions between the two camps almost at boiling point, officials have taken drastic measures to heighten security presence both ringside and in the crowd.

'I'm all good' - Why was Nikita late? | 00:43

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Pampellone, who fights out of New Zealand and is signed to the No Limit stable, is without loss in 18 fights while Zinad, who hails from Libya, is on a tear of 21 straight wins.

It comes as No Limit CEO George Rose has reminded all fighters that a $20,000 bonus is up for grabs for KO or performance of the night.

In the main event, Tszyu will be looking to keep his own undefeated record intact against awkward Italian challenger, Danilo Creati.

Watch the undercard from 5:30pm AEST on Fox Sports 503 and Kayo before the main card begins at 7pm.

FULL CARD

MAIN CARD (from 7pm on Main Event)

Nikita Tszyu (c) v Danilo Creati — for Australian super welterweight title

Jerome Pampellone v Malik Zinad — IBF light heavyweight world title eliminator

Clara Lescurat (c) v Linn Sandstrom — for WBA super flyweight world title

Mateo Tapia v Keiber Gonzalez — for vacant WBO global middleweight title

Benjamin Hussain (c) v Mason Smith — for WBA Oceania super welterweight title

PRELIMS (from 5:30pm on Channel 503)

Jasmine Parr v Sarah Watt — super flyweight