Tim Tszyu to fight Denis Nurja on April 5 in Wollongong

The former WBO junior middleweight champion begins his 2026 campaign in Wollongong while rebuilding after a difficult run

Tim Tszyu returns to the ring on April 5 in Wollongong, Australia. The former WBO junior middleweight champion is expected to face unbeaten Albanian Denis Nurja.

The former WBO junior middleweight champion enters the fight trying to rebuild after a difficult run. Tszyu (26-3, 18 KOs) lost three of four bouts during a turbulent period that began with a bloody split decision defeat to Sebastian Fundora in March 2024.

That fight was complicated by a deep cut on Tszyu’s scalp that left him bleeding heavily for much of the night. The losses continued later that year when Bakhram Murtazaliev stopped him in three rounds, and a rematch with Fundora ended after seven rounds when Tszyu remained in his corner.

The event marks Tszyu’s first scheduled appearance of the year and gives the Australian contender a chance to continue rebuilding in front of a home crowd. Wollongong has become a familiar stop for major Australian boxing cards in recent years.

Tszyu returned in December with a wide decision victory over Anthony Velazquez (18-0-1). The win steadied his position at 154 pounds, while he looks to move back toward major fights in the division.

Nurja (20-0, 9 KOs) enters unbeaten but largely untested against recognized contenders. Most of his professional bouts have taken place in Albania against local opposition, and he has not fought beyond six rounds. One unusual episode on his record occurred in 2023 during a fight with Placido Ramirez that ended early after fans entered the ring and struck Ramirez.

The WBA currently lists Nurja as the #12 contender in the division.

A potential fight with Errol Spence Jr. (28-1, 22 KOs) has been mentioned for later this year if Tszyu wins in April.

April 5 in Wollongong features Tim Tszyu vs Denis Nurja over 10 rounds at middleweight, headlining a Prime Video card starting 7:00 PM local, 5:00 AM ET, 10:00 AM UK. The bill includes Sam Goodman vs Rodrigo Ruiz in an IBF junior featherweight eliminator, plus Asofa-Solomona vs Wallace, Peters vs Mouzinho, and Reda vs Pagara.

Share on Facebook

Post on X