The title complex Ni3(C14H8N3O5)2(C5H5N)4 has been synthesized by the reaction of 2-hydroxy-N′-(4- nitrobenzoyl)benzohydraizide with nickel acetate in pyridine solution. Its molecular structure was characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra and X-ray crystal structure determination. Crystal data for this compound: Mono- clinic, space group P21/c, Mr=1 089.00, a=0.249 27(5) nm, b=0.161 40(3) nm, c=0.121 81(2) nm, β=94.59(3)°, V= 4.885 2(17) nm3, Z=4, Dc=1.481 Mg·m-3, F(000)=2 232, R1=0.049 7, wR2=0.106 8 (observed reflections with I>2σ(I)) and R1=0.105 1, wR2=0.119 4 (all reflections), GOF=1.021. The complex was evaluated for their antitumor activi- ties against two kinds of cell lines (K562 and BGC) by MTT method. A preliminary bioactivity study indicates that the complex shows distinct antitumor activity.