Tim Tszyu Returns April 5 vs Denis Nurja in Wollongong

Tim Tszyu begins his 2026 campaign with a high-risk tune-up when he faces unbeaten Albanian contender Denis Nurja on April 5 at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong, Australia. The fight will be contested at a 157-pound catchweight, as Tszyu continues rebuilding momentum while keeping a potential summer showdown with Errol Spence Jr. in the pipeline.

Tszyu Rebuilding After Turbulent Stretch

The former IBF junior middleweight champion enters the bout with a 26-3 record (18 KOs) after enduring a difficult 17-month period that saw him suffer three losses and question his place among the division’s elite. His most recent outing marked the beginning of a reset. In December, Tszyu debuted under new Miami-based trainer Pedro Diaz, earning a steady 10-round decision over Anthony Velasquez. Now in his second training camp with Diaz, Tszyu expects fans to see a sharper version of himself.

No Limit Boxing CEO George Rose said: “We saw glimpses in the previous fight. You’ll see even more now… this is the path to becoming a world champion again.” Italy-based Denis Nurja brings an undefeated 20-0 record (8 KOs) into the fight and holds the No. 12 ranking with the WBA. While Nurja lacks experience in longer fights he has never gone past six rounds in his eight-year career his amateur pedigree is impressive, including multiple national titles and appearances at the IBA World Championships.

Tszyu isn’t overlooking the challenge “He presents a challenge… he’s mixed it with a lot of great fighters. I’m motivated and focused.” Nurja, meanwhile, sees the fight as a career-defining opportunity. “People are talking about Tim’s comeback, but I’m the one standing in front of him.”