Nurja, a 31-year-old from Albania, enters with an undefeated record but little experience against established contenders. The WBA lists him as the #12 contender at 154 pounds. His recent fights took place in Tirana against modest opposition. During 2025, he outpointed a 4-4-4 opponent over six rounds, stopping Kiryl Samadurau (13-3) in five and winning a six-round decision over Refik Tarhan (8-4). In February, he stopped Jose Gregorio Marcano (17-13-1) in the opening round.
Nurja welcomed the chance to take on the former Australian champion.
“I’m 20-0 for a reason, and I didn’t build that record by playing it safe,” Nurja said in a press release. “This is the biggest opportunity of my career, and I’m ready for it. People talk about Tim’s comeback, but I’m the one standing in front of him. I respect what he’s done in the sport, but I believe this is my moment. I’m coming to Australia to win.”
Tszyu (26-3, 18 KOs), also 31, has been working to rebuild after a difficult run that ended his stay near the top of the junior middleweight division. His WBO title reign ended in March 2024 when he lost a bloody split decision to Sebastian Fundora. A deep cut to his scalp caused heavy bleeding during the attack and forced him to fight most of the night with impaired vision.
The defeat was followed by an even tougher setback. Tszyu was stopped in three rounds by Bakhram Murtazaliev in October 2024 for the IBF title. He later bounced back with a fourth round stoppage of Joey Spencer before signing for a rematch with Fundora for the WBC belt. That fight ended after seven rounds when Tszyu stayed in his corner.
His most recent fight came in December, when he won a wide decision over the previously undefeated Anthony Velazquez (18-0-1).
Tszyu remains ranked in various divisions. The WBC lists him at #7 and the IBF at #8 at junior middleweight, while the WBO lists him #3 at middleweight.
A possible fight with Errol Spence Jr. (28-1, 22 KOs) has been named for later this year if Tszyu keeps winning. Spence has not fought since July 2023, when Terence Crawford stopped him in nine rounds to win the undisputed welterweight championship.
Tszyu said his focus remains on the upcoming fight.
“There are some massive opportunities ahead, but none of that matters unless I get through this fight,” Tszyu said. “My full focus is on Easter Sunday and the job ahead of me. I want to get back to the top of the division and fight for world titles again, and that’s the first step.”
Tszyu is expected to enter the fight as a clear favourite, but his recent results leave little room for error if he is to work his way back to major title opportunities.
