Former WBO super welterweight world champion Tim Tszyu’s return has been announced.
Tszyu (26-3, 18 KOs) will headline a No Limits Boxing promotion in association with TGB Promotions against Albanian contender Denis Nurja at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong, Australia, on April 5.
Nurja (20-0, 9 KOs) is largely an unknown quantity, residing in Italy. His last six fights have taken place in his native Albania, and he is ranked in 12th place by the WBA at 154 pounds.
“I feel better than ever and I’m ready to get back to work,” said Tszyu via a press release. “Denis Nurja is undefeated for a reason and he presents a real challenge. He’s got a big amateur pedigree with eight national titles and he’s fought at the world championships, so he’s been in there with some serious fighters. That’s the kind of opponent that motivates me and keeps me sharp. I’m inspired, focused, and preparing for the toughest version of him.”
The 31-year-old Australian had a short-lived spell as world champion when he was elevated to WBO champion ahead of his one and only title defense against Brian Mendoza in October 2023. Tszyu lost his title in a unification fight with WBC champion Sebastian Fundora six months later and fell to a third-round stoppage against IBF champion Bakhram Murtazaliev immediately after. Following a win over Joey Spencer, Tszyu would lose a rematch to Fundora, retiring on his stool in the seventh.
“There are some massive opportunities ahead but none of that matters unless I get through this fight,” Tszyu added. “My full focus is on Easter Sunday and the job in front of me. I want to get back to the top of the division and fight for world titles again and this is the first step. I’ve fought all around Australia but I haven’t fought in Wollongong and it’s somewhere I’ve always wanted to fight. I know it’s the territory of Sammy Goodman and Alex Volkanovski and there’s a huge combat sports culture down there, so it’s going to be a great atmosphere.”
The bout is advertised as taking place at super welterweight. However, the WBO International middleweight title will be on the line. Tszyu is currently ranked in 3rd place by the WBO at middleweight, while also being ranked in 7th place by the WBC and 8th place by the IBF at super welterweight.
“I am 20-0 for a reason and I did not build that record by playing it safe,” said Nurja. “This is the biggest opportunity of my career and I am ready for it. People are talking about Tim’s comeback, but I am the one standing in front of him. I respect what he has done in the sport but I believe this is my moment. I am coming to Australia to win.”
The fight will be broadcast on streaming service Prime Video.
