Nikita Tszyu is suddenly on the cusp of a world title blockbuster after signing off on an IBF super welterweight eliminator against another of Australia’s most hyped prospects, Ben Mahoney.

Only days out from the biggest fight of his older brother’s career, Fox Sports Australia can reveal Nikita is now confirmed for a showdown against Mahoney on August 26.

Tszyu v Spence Jr. | Sunday July 26 from 11am AEST | Tim Tszyu takes on the biggest name in his career so far – future hall-of-famer Errol Spence Jr, in a can’t miss event for boxing fans around the world. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.

The winner of the all-Australian headliner will then go straight into a shot at IBF champion Josh Kelly.

Like Tszyu, Mahoney is also on an undefeated tear, and has previously acted as a sparring partner in some of Tim Tszyu’s training camps.

While no venue has yet been set for the eliminator, potential venues include Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sydney, even Adelaide.

Speaking on Tuesday night, No Limit CEO George Rose confirmed a world title opportunity was now within reach for his 28-year-old star, who is undefeated in all 12 fights since turning professional.

The news comes as the promoter is also readying for this Sunday’s Sydney showdown between Tim Tszyu and American superstar Errol Spence Jnr.

“Nikita Tszyu is the genuine star of Australian boxing, and now he’s got another world-rated Australian standing across from him with world title glory at stake,” Rose said. “It doesn’t get any bigger than that.

“Ben Mahoney is as tough as they come. A lot of people thought this fight shouldn’t happen, but these are two genuine fighters who back themselves, and the fans are the ones who reap the rewards.

“Expect brutality. Expect raw power. Expect absolute fireworks. Two undefeated Australians, ranked inside the world’s top 10, with everything on the line. This is what the sport is supposed to look like.”

Nikita Tszyu flexes after weighing in during the official weigh in at Charlestown Square on May 05, 2026 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Currently, ‘The Butcher’ is ranked at number seven with the IBF, while Mahoney is two spots further back.

However, with the top two placements in the rankings both vacant, No Limit have confirmed the August bout will also double as a title eliminator.

Speaking with Fox Sports Australia last month, both Mahoney and his promoter, Tasman Fighters boss Mick Francis, confirmed No Limit had put an offer to the 31-year-old.

As hardcore Aussie boxing fans will know, Mahoney is also the man who famously broke the jaw of fellow Queenslander Benjamin Hussain in a 2020 classic.

“So I’m not here to f*** around,” the undefeated puncher told us. “Right now, I’m in my prime as a fighter and the winner of this fight between Nikita and I, they’ll then go on to massive things.

“Honestly, I’m getting goosebumps just talking about it now. And that’s because I have such belief in what I can do.

“I mean, if Nikita isn’t ready to test himself with a fight like this, or I wasn’t ready … we shouldn’t be doing this sport.

“And I’m the biggest test of Nikita Tszyu’s career, I can guarantee that.”

“That’s Cap” Tszyu/Spence fiery face-off | 01:42

So as for his thoughts on the younger Tszyu?

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Nikita,” Mahoney continued. “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. I won’t go into those though. And obviously his power is his strength.

“But we’ve seen that when he fights guys who are tough and durable – fighters like Ben Horn and Koen Mazoudier – that power doesn’t always do the damage it needs to.

“And that’s when he gets himself in trouble. So I know I’ve got a great chin, I’m experienced, durable and move well. I also have power myself and am a lot smarter than these other guys [he’s fought].

“This is a fight that not only makes sense, but where the winner goes on to huge things.”