Tszyu Dominates Nurja, Sets Sights On Spence

Tim Tszyu delivered a dominant, albeit cautious, performance to secure a unanimous decision victory over Denis Nurja.

The victory keeps Tszyu on track for a potential showdown against Errol Spence Jr. later this year. Tszyu established his jab from the opening bell, systematically dismantling Nurja’s high-guard. By the third round, the Albanian was struggling to find the pocket as Tszyu landed sharp, short combinations. The momentum shifted heavily in the fourth round when Tszyu landed a flush right hand that sent Nurja to the canvas.

While the crowd sensed a finish, Tszyu remained notably patient, refusing to over-commit. In the seventh round, the referee deducted a point from Nurja for excessive holding as he desperately tried to slow Tszyu’s forward pressure. For the remainder of the “championship” rounds, Tszyu focused on a body assault that sapped Nurja’s remaining energy: 100–88, 100–88 and 100–88. In his post-fight comments, Tszyu turned his attention towards Spence. 

Tszyu Reacts

“You know what they say: Catch the big fish,” he said. “Let’s go fishing. Look, I feel like I’m up for it, man. I feel like I’m up for it. This guy was tough, you know, no excuses. But I think me and Errol Spence is gonna be one helluva fight. You know, it’s a banger. You know how I am – I don’t take a backwards step. So if he wants to meet me at the front, bring it on.

“Yeah, he’s tough, man. I expected that, you know – 20-0. But no joke. I think I had him a couple times, but – I don’t know – he just didn’t drop. But, yeah, those were good rounds, bro. That one wasn’t actually – I was trying to take him out. I’ll be honest with you. They’re tough out of Europe. Hey, Albania – I didn’t expect that, man. Big respect,” Tszyu said