Tim Tszyu’s critical Easter face-off with Denis Nurja has taken on new significance with news that the Australian boxer could soon ascend to the top of the WBO’s super-welterweight rankings.
A triumph over the undefeated Albanian in Wollongong this Sunday would propel the former champion into contention for a world title bout this year.
While Tszyu is already on the path to meet American star Errol Spence, a win against Nurja could also pave the way for a high-stakes clash with current WBO champion Xander Zayas, who boasts a record of 23 wins with 13 knockouts, or another undefeated contender, Jaron Ennis, with 35 wins and 31 knockouts.
“Bring it on. Simple,” Tszyu declared after tipping the scales at 157 pounds during Saturday’s weigh-in at the WIN Entertainment Centre.
The 31-year-old expressed feeling in peak condition after successfully making weight.
Tim Tszyu faces unbeaten Denis Nurja in Wollongong with WBO rankings surge and world title shot on the line
Aussie star is already linked to mega-fights against Errol Spence, Xander Zayas and Jaron Ennis this year
“I woke up this morning, and for the first time in my career, I didn’t have to take a bath or do a workout,” he shared.
‘I sort of woke up at whatever time I was needed to and just hopped on the scales and I was there and, yeah, it’s the first time for me.
‘I would say usually I’m like gaunt. I didn’t have that feeling today.’
Tszyu will be having his second fight under his new team and expects to reap the benefits of more time in camp under esteemed Cuban trainer Pedro Diaz.
‘(There has been) a big difference technically, different tactics as well, working on fundamentals, putting myself in different boxing situations,’ he told AAP.
‘Just trying to improve on every point.’
Tszyu, also ranked sixth by the WBC and eighth by the IBF, pounded out a one-sided unanimous points decision win over previously unbeaten Velazquez in his first fight with his new team last December.
But with so much on the line, Tszyu is looking to make a statement this time around.
The 31-year-old says he feels stronger, sharper and more prepared than ever under trainer Pedro Diaz
‘If he doesn’t start running, then I’m going to get him out,’ said the Sydney slayer.
‘Victory by any means, of course. Doesn’t really bother me in which way but you don’t get paid overtime in the sport so if we can get it done nice and early or whatever, I’m all for that.’
Tszyu will set one family first on Sunday, as neither his younger brother Nikita nor their Hall of Famer father Kostya had a professional fight in Wollongong.
One fighter who will get enormous support on Sunday is Albion Park local Sam Goodman, who will face Argentinian Rodrigo Ruiz (23-1, 17 KOs) in a IBF super bantamweight world title eliminator.
The fifth-ranked Goodman (21-1, 8 KOs) last year unsuccessfully challenged for a version of the featherweight world title.
Ruiz, ranked 10th, has won a couple of regional titles and his only loss was by a points decision.
In a spicy curtain-raiser, fellow former NRL stars Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Jarrod Wallace will slug it out in a heavyweight encounter after throwing verbal barbs at each other all week.
The two-metre tall Asofa-Solomona (134.46kg) will not only enjoy a massive height advantage but also weigh almost 14kgs more than boxing debutant Wallace (119.60kg).
Also on the main card will be two of Australia’s brightest boxing prospects, middleweight and 2024 Olympian Callum Peters (5-0, 5 KOs) and light heavyweight Paulo Aokuso (9-0, 4 KOs).
