Former super welterweight world champion Tim Tszyu will continue his build towards another world title shot in his homeland this Easter Sunday in Wollongong. The Australian comes off a wide unanimous decision win over Anthony Velazquez this past August in Sydney.
Tszyu (26-3, 18 KOs) fights back-to-back in his native Australia following a disastrous run of form in America. Tszyu’s current 2-3 record in his last five fights encompasses all his resume’s blemishes, which have all taken place in America. Two defeats to Sebastian Fundora and a disappointing third round capitulation to Bakhram Murtazaliev left Tszyu’s American ambitions looking bleak.
“It’s unbelievable to be back home in Australia.” Tszyu said at the official media workout in Sydney. “I’m loving being back home. Australia is always going to be home for me. Even though I’m travelling nonstop and putting myself in uncomfortable positions at times, being back home is comforting.”
The Australian returns against the little-know Albanian, Denis Turja, at the WIN Entertainment Centre in New South Wales. Nurja (20-0, 9 KOs) comes to Australia ranked in twelfth place by the WBA, but with minimal reputation outside his native Albania.
“Finally, someone my height,” Tszyu explained. “Usually I’m looking up, so it’s nice to have someone your own height. Nurja seems ready, which is good. At least he’s here nice and early…Everything is at risk. Your whole career. That’s what you do in this sport. You put everything on the line every time. The biggest risk is not just losing, but your health. You’re always one punch away, so I prepare strong every time because I know what’s ahead.”
Tszyu returns home for a second straight fight for the first time since he had a brief stint as the WBO world champion. He defeated Carlos Ocampo as the interim title holder, before being elevated to world champion, defending his title in a unanimous decision win against Brian Mendoza both in Gold Coast in 2023. He’ll also return for a second straight fight with new trainer Pedro Diaz.
“I wouldn’t say I fear losing, but it’s not a good feeling and it’s not something I want to experience again,” Tszyu said. “My motivation throughout this training camp, and in life right now, is victory by any means necessary.”
Tszyu will be able to stake a claim for a shot at the WBO middleweight world title with an expected victory. He is currently ranked in third place for Zhanibek Alimkhanuly’s WBO belt. The vacant WBO international title is on the line in Sydney.
“The word annihilation has been in my head and repeated in my head for the last seven weeks.” Tszyu added. “That’s all I want to do. My whole purpose right now is just to annihilate. I need to win. And the win comes from the way I want to do it.”
