Tim Tszyu Secures Victory Over Denis Nurja Despite Gruesome Facial Cut
Australian boxing star Tim Tszyu demonstrated remarkable resilience on Sunday night in Wollongong, battling through a severe cut to earn a unanimous points decision against Albanian opponent Denis Nurja. However, the performance failed to impress Australian boxing icon Jeff Fenech, who departed the venue before the final bell.
A Bloody Battle and Dominant Display
The fight took a dramatic turn in the third round when a head clash opened a deep gash beneath Tszyu's left eye, leaving him bleeding profusely. Despite the injury, the Australian stormed back, dropping Nurja shortly after the incident. After being cleared to continue by the ringside doctor, Tszyu maintained control throughout the contest.
Nurja resorted to excessive holding tactics, ignoring repeated warnings from the referee, which eventually led to a point deduction. Tszyu cruised through all ten rounds, with all three judges scoring the bout 100-88 in his favour. Former world champion Paulie Malignaggi, commentating on the fight, noted that Tszyu never seemed to "get out of second gear" during his dominant performance.
Fenech's Early Departure and Critical Perspective
Jeff Fenech, widely regarded as Australia's greatest ever boxer, left the building before the start of the eighth round, visibly unimpressed with what he was witnessing. While acknowledging that Tszyu "got the job done," Fenech refused to comment when asked if he believed the Australian could defeat former unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr., stating that decision rested with Tszyu's corner.
Fenech has been openly critical of Tszyu's career trajectory following losses to Sebastian Fundora and Bakhram Murtazaliev. He previously boycotted Tszyu's first fight under new coach Pedro Diaz and has questioned the decision to pursue a bout with Spence before dealing with Nurja.
Tszyu's Reflections and Future Prospects
The deep cut sustained against Nurja likely evoked difficult memories for Tszyu, who suffered one of boxing's most brutal lacerations during his first loss to Sebastian Fundora in March 2024. Following his victory, Tszyu paid tribute to his opponent's toughness, stating: "Respect to the Albanians, man, they are tough guys. This time I won with a cut, so I can't complain."
Looking ahead to a potential bout with Errol Spence Jr., Tszyu expressed confidence: "Me and Errol Spence will be one hell of a fight, a banger. You know how I am, I don't take a backward step. He wants to meet me out the front, bring it on." He added, "You know what they say, catch the big fish. Let's go fishing."
Despite Spence not having fought since being stopped by Terence Crawford in July 2023 and being 36 years old, Tszyu would likely enter as the underdog if the match materialises. The victory over Nurja improves Tszyu's professional record to 27 wins and three losses.
Undercard Action and Call-Outs
On the undercard, former NRL star Nelson Asofa-Solomona delivered an impressive third-round knockout against another ex-footballer, Jarrod Wallace. Following his victory, "Big Nas" called out retired NRL forward George Burgess, with the two engaging in verbal sparring in the centre of the ring.
