Tim Tszyu’s Comeback Journey
Tim Tszyu has openly admitted that he “fell apart” in the lead-up to his coaching change, but he now feels that the wheels are back “in motion” as he prepares for his Easter Sunday bout against Albanian fighter Denis Nurja in Wollongong. The Sydney-based boxer is coming off a decisive unanimous decision win over Anthony Velazquez in August in Sydney. However, his recent form has been inconsistent, with only two wins in his last five fights following a challenging stint in the United States.
Tszyu suffered two defeats against Sebastian Fundora and a third-round surrender to Bakhram Murtazaliev. Speaking at the official press conference for the Wollongong event on Thursday, Tszyu was candid about his struggles in the last five fights and acknowledged that opponents will be studying his performance against Murtazaliev to uncover his “Kryptonite.”
“It is the rise, I feel like, I did fall apart. I am putting the wheels back in motion, and I’m gunning, straight back to that number one spot,” he said.
“I think he’s good. I think he’s 20-0 for a reason. I know he’s been watching my Bakhram fight. I know all of them, they watch the Bakhram fight, even the last opponent, they watched the Bakhram fight.
“When I go to sleep, I sleep with my right hand on my chin. The left hook’s not coming.
“So as much as he’s practicing his left hook, don’t worry, my right hand is here.
“I’m very well aware that that’s what they’re thinking and that’s what they’re practicing. ‘Oh, the Bakhram left hook, that’s Tim’s Kryptonite’. Watch Sunday (and) we see.”
Rankings and Strategy
Currently ranked No.7 by the WBC and No.8 by the IBF, Tszyu is also ranked No.3 by the WBO. The Sydney fighter emphasized how he wants to implement some changes against Nurja, who has faced low-level competition in the lead-up to the clash. Four of Nurja’s last opponents have amassed 26 defeats between them.
“I think there’s obviously each training camp, you want to bring out something new, something different. You want to bring something that you haven’t previously brought into the ring,” Tszyu said.
“Stylistically be a bit more smarter, I feel like I’ve got natural talent that I possess. Also, a lot of skills that I’ve developed over the years. I’m just looking to get in there, stay active and just have some fun, you know, this is what it’s all about.
“When you put passion and love for a certain thing and you put it all into action, amazing things happen.
“I’ve changed myself to a certain extent, but I just can’t wait to get in there and bang on and let the dog come out.”
Addressing Criticism
Tszyu was also asked about the criticism from former world champions, who have recently stated that his time at the top of the sport is over, despite a fight set with Errol Spence in the middle of the year.
“Everyone’s gonna have something to say at certain times. It’s just part of being in the spotlight, being up in a certain level. I’m not there to prove to anyone.
“I know what I possess, I know what I’m good at, and I just can’t wait to get in there against another undefeated opponent and have some fun.”
Preparing for the Future
As Tszyu looks ahead to his upcoming match against Nurja, he remains focused on regaining his position at the top of the boxing world. His journey has been marked by challenges, but he is determined to turn things around and show that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
With a new strategy, improved training, and a renewed sense of purpose, Tszyu is ready to make a statement on Easter Sunday. Whether or not he succeeds, one thing is clear: he is not going down without a fight.
