Tim Tszyu and Denis Nurja came face to face in Sydney today as fight week officially got underway ahead of their Easter Sunday showdown at WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong.
Set to fight in Wollongong for the first time, Tszyu will take on the world-rated Nurja in a high-stakes bout that will shape the rest of his career, while Nurja has arrived unbeaten, prepared and unfazed by the occasion.
“Finally, someone my height. Usually I’m looking up, so it’s nice to have someone your own height,” Tszyu said.
“He (Nurja) seems ready, which is good. At least he’s here nice and early.
“It’s unbelievable to be back home in Australia. I’m loving being back home. Australia is always going to be home for me. Even though I’m travelling nonstop and putting myself in uncomfortable positions at times, being back home is comforting.”
After arriving in Australia on Sunday, Denis Nurja got straight to work, fronting the Australian media and completing his first fight week commitments at Bondi Boxing Club in Sydney before coming face to face with Tszyu.
The unbeaten Albanian contender has made the trip to Australia determined to derail Tszyu’s comeback plans, while Tszyu arrived relaxed and composed alongside his new team, including head coach Pedro Diaz, ahead of one of the most important fights of his career.
“Everything is at risk. Your whole career. That’s what you do in this sport. You put everything on the line every time. The biggest risk is not just losing, but your health. You’re always one punch away, so I prepare strong every time because I know what’s ahead,” Tszyu said.
“I wouldn’t say I fear losing, but it’s not a good feeling and it’s not something I want to experience again. My motivation throughout this training camp, and in life right now, is victory by any means necessary.
“The word annihilation has been in my head and repeated in my head for the last seven weeks. That’s all I want to do. My whole purpose right now is just to annihilate.
“I need to win. And the win comes from the way I want to do it.”
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 *