Nikita Tszyu showcased power, precision and patience in equal measure as he outpointed Italy’s Danilo Creati across ten bruising rounds to retain his Australian Super Welterweight Title at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion on 24 April 2024.

It was a contest that highlighted both Tszyu’s evolving maturity and Creati’s remarkable courage. For ten relentless rounds, the Australian southpaw controlled the pace and geography of the fight, landing with authority from the opening bell while the Italian challenger dug deep to survive the storm.

Tszyu began assertively, stalking forward behind a crisp jab and unleashing the trademark left hand that has become his calling card. Creati, hands low and defiant, invited the pressure early, relying on movement and timing to frustrate the champion. But Tszyu soon found his range, opening a cut beneath the challenger’s eye and scoring the first knockdown in the second round when a left cross forced Creati’s glove to touch the canvas.

From there, the pattern was set. Tszyu drove combinations through guard and body, his hooks and straights echoing through the venue as he worked with clinical intent. Creati absorbed heavy punishment yet refused to wilt, countering bravely whenever a gap appeared. His toughness was astonishing, standing up to flush shots that would have halted lesser fighters.

By the midpoint of the fight, Tszyu was dominant but not reckless. He varied his attack intelligently, mixing sharp uppercuts with punishing body blows that drew visible reactions from the Italian. Still, Creati’s resilience gave the bout its drama. In the sixth round, he landed a powerful right hand that staggered the champion and sent a murmur of disbelief through the crowd. For a brief moment, it looked as though Tszyu’s control might unravel.

But true to the Tszyu family tradition, Nikita recovered swiftly. He steadied himself, regained composure and reclaimed the initiative with measured aggression. The exchanges that followed were fierce – Tszyu landing the cleaner, heavier shots while Creati countered with admirable defiance.

Rounds seven through nine were a masterclass in controlled pressure. Tszyu tightened his guard, cutting the ring expertly, stepping in behind his jab to punish Creati to the head and ribs. Each punch carried thudding intent, but still the challenger stood tall, bloodied yet unbroken. As the final round began, the two fighters embraced – a fitting gesture between warriors who had shared ten rounds of pure endurance.

Tszyu continued to press until the closing seconds, finishing strong with combinations upstairs and down, but the final bell found both men still standing. The judges were unanimous: 100–88, 99–90, and 100–89 – a wide and deserved decision for the champion.

While the scorecards reflected Nikita Tszyu’s superiority, the applause acknowledged the heart of Danilo Creati. It was a fight that tested skill, spirit and stamina in equal measure. After ten ferocious rounds, Nikita Tszyu defeated Danilo Creati by unanimous decision to remain the Australian Super Welterweight Champion.