Tim Tszyu’s boxing career is back on the up after a win. Now, he takes on Denis Nurja in his first fight of 2026.
Having suffered three losses in four fights, Tim Tszyu is back on track and now preparing to take on the unbeaten but unheralded Denis Nurja in Wollongong, Australia.
Tszyu already has a blockbuster fight with Errol Spence Jnr planned for later this year. However, he can’t afford to take any opponent lightly given his form and results over the last two years. It’s a fight Tszyu should get through relatively comfortably, but we know better than to expect anything to be comfortable in boxing.
Tim Tszyu has a long history of rolling the dice.
Despite having a blockbuster date with Errol Spence on the horizon, Tszyu is choosing to risk it all against the well travelled and undefeated Denis Nurja. #ozboxing #boxing #tszyu pic.twitter.com/913cm1eIOI
— Aus-Boxing.com (@ausboxing) March 10, 2026
Tim Tszyu
The former WBO super welterweight champion has always been slated for big things. Even coming out of the other end of the worst patch of his boxing career, he has a big name booked in. Still, Tszyu of all people knows he can’t limp through this fight to win like he did the last.
Following a loss to Sebastian Fundora and a disasterclass against Bakhram Murtazaliev, Tszyu earned a clear decision win over Anthony Velazquez. He’s now preparing to remind the world what he’s got:
“And being totally honest with you, I want to kill this guy.
“I want to f*ing annihilate him.
“But while I want that dog to come out in me, it has to be at the right time.
“That’s the key.
“It’s about me learning to control that dog in me.
“Ensuring it comes out at the right time.”
‘The Phoenix’ went the distance in December, but has no intention of doing so in this one. He’s a heavy $1.36 favourite to win this fight before it gets to the judges.
Tszyu’s relentless pressure and the power behind it have defined his boxing career to date. With new Cuban coach Pedro Diaz now in his corner, the expectation is for fans to see an improved boxing style. Tszyu has mentioned being fresher than he has been in the past; another nod to pressure, power and an early finish.
Denis Nurja
While he will come into this fight with an unbeaten 20-0 record, few will be familiar with Denis Nurja. The Albanian is ranked No. 12 by the WBA, but takes a big leap in class in this one with Tszyu the first legitimate, world-class fighter he’s faced.
Australia can be a hostile environment for visiting fighters, but that’s unlikely to be an issue for Nurja, who has trained, fought and won all over the world throughout his boxing career.
Nurja’s latest victory came against Jose Gregorio Marcano in the first round only two months earlier in February. He’s active and ready to take on the challenge.
“Look into his soul”
A first look at Denis Nurja training in Sydney ahead of his showdown with Tim Tszyu this weekend. #boxing #TszyuNurja https://t.co/8fBwPYfZj1 pic.twitter.com/teMxSCEsTN
— Brendan Bradford (@1bbradfo) March 31, 2026
While Nurja has only recorded nine knockouts across his 20 wins, his extensive amateur pedigree holds him in good standing to handle surprises. He consistently goes deep into fights, which can play into Nurja’s hands. We can expect Tszyu to look to apply pressure early. If the Albanian can withstand that early onslaught, he will set himself up well to cause an upset late.
Nurja is a significant $7.50 outsider to win this one. However, with what we’ve seen from Tszyu as a favourite recently, we should expect the unexpected.
Tim Tszyu v Denis Nurja Boxing Tips
Tim Tszyu is too much of a professional to already have Errol Spence Jnr on his mind. You can’t gloss over who is in front of you in boxing. However, he’s made his intentions clear, not only with this warm-up-style fight, but with his quotes leading up to it. He’s also suggested that Pedro Diaz has made the necessary changes for him to take a leap in his boxing career. He’s said to be feeling fresh and confident.
Tim Tszyu working outdoors with Pedro Diaz ahead of his return on April 5th 🇦🇺
🤔 Will a showdown with Errol Spence Jr follow this summer? pic.twitter.com/1wGhJSvqcI
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) March 23, 2026
Meanwhile, Nurja is untested at this level. He might be confident himself, but he’s not been punched in the face by a fighter of this quality. His IQ will only allow him to get so deep into this fight before his movement and defence start to be picked to pieces by the more established Tszyu.
The expectation is for Tszyu to win by knockout. The challenge is picking the round. Expecting to see him feel things out early as opposed to his famously aggressive starts of the past, look for Tszyu to produce his trademark aggression a few rounds in and end it with a flurry of punches.