Tim Tszyu Claims WBO International Title, Rises to No. 1 Ranking

Tim Tszyu secured the WBO international middleweight title by defeating Albanian Denis Nurja via a unanimous points decision in Wollongong on Sunday. This victory marks Tszyu's first successive wins since 2023 and has elevated him to the WBO No. 1 ranking in the junior middleweight division, positioning him for a potential world title opportunity.

Unanimous Decision Victory

All three judges scored the 10-round bout 100-88 in favor of Tszyu. The win officially earns Tszyu the WBO international middleweight title.

Bout Highlights

Throughout the bout, Tszyu (27-3, 18 KOs) landed a higher number of punches, targeting both Nurja's (20-1, 9 KOs) head and body. In the fourth round, Tszyu knocked down Nurja, though he was unable to secure a knockout victory. A cut developed under Tszyu's left eye following a head clash one minute into the fourth round.

Despite the cut, Tszyu continued to apply pressure, delivering numerous body shots in the fifth round and consistently responding to Nurja's landed punches with counterblows. Referee Les Fear deducted a point from Nurja in the seventh round for an infraction.

Path to a World Title

This victory places Tszyu in contention for a potential fight against American boxer Errol Spence Jr. and a future world title opportunity. The current WBO junior middleweight champion, Puerto Rican Xander Zayas, is scheduled to defend his title against American Jaron Ennis next month in New York.

Following the fight, Tszyu commented on a potential match-up with Spence, stating: "I feel like I'm up for it. It will be one hell of a fight, a banger. You know how I am; I don't take a backward step. You know what they say, 'Catch the big fish' — let's go fishing."

Regarding his opponent, Tszyu remarked: "He's a tough man. I had him a couple of times, but he just didn't drop."