Tim ‘The Phoenix’ Tszyu (26-3-0) spoke for the final time ahead of his fight with Denis Nurja this Easter Sunday, declaring his ambition to reach the top of the mountain once again.
Fighters and officials spoke to the media on Thursday at the final press conference ahead of Tszyu vs. Nurja, taking place this weekend at WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong.
The press conference featured Tim Tszyu, Denis Nurja, Sam Goodman, Rodrigo Fabian Ruiz, Jarrod Wallace, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Callum Peters and Paulo Aokuso, alongside No Limit Boxing CEO George Rose, as the countdown continues to a stacked day of fights.
After taking questions from the MC, Tszyu revealed his mindset going into the fight and what he expects from his opponent once they enter the ring against each other.
“Yeah, it is the rise. I feel like I did fall apart. I am putting the wheels back in motion and I’m coming and I’m gunning straight back to that No.1 spot and whoever is in the way of that, they’re in danger,” Tszyu said.
“Well, that’s what I always do, man. I always just put it all on the line and I’m just confident in myself. So, look, of course everything’s a risk. But you’ve got to put it all on the line. We’re in this sport for a short, minimal amount of time and you’ve just got to make the most of every opportunity.
“I’ve changed myself to a certain extent, but I just can’t wait to get in there and bang on, let the dog come out. All of them watch the Bakhram fight. I sleep with my right hand on my chin. I’m well aware that’s what they are thinking. Throwing the left hook. They think it’s my kryptonite. I just want to point it out. I’m very well aware of it.”
In response to Tszyu’s comments, Denis Nurja had something to get off his chest.
“I’ve trained really hard. I have a lot of respect for Tim, but I’ve come here to win. I’m used to people talking. I don’t care what they say because I live in the present. We’ll see what happens on Sunday,” Nurja said.
“The win would be a massive step in my career. It would be the culmination of 20 years of training, 20 years of sacrifice. Such a gift for me.”
Watch Tszyu vs Nurja live on Main Event and Kayo Sports on Sunday, April 5 at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong
* Information via media release from No Limit Boxing *