Sometimes, in order to chase your dreams, you have to go all the way to the other side of the world. That’s the case of Albanian boxer Denis Nurja, who at the age of 32, after securing twenty consecutive professional victories without a single defeat, will travel to Australia for the kind of opportunity that comes only once in a lifetime: facing a world-level fighter.
Nurja, who is currently in London to complete his preparation and will soon embark on the long journey to the Oceanian country, will face former world champion Tim Tszyu at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong on April 4. The WBO International middleweight title will be on the line.
On that day, there will also be a piece of Italy in the ring. Denis has been training for many years at the Boxing Club Castelfidardo gym, under the careful supervision of coach Andrea Gabbanelli, who will accompany him on the long trip and guide him in the corner during the fight that could change his career forever.
We asked Denis Nurja a few questions ahead of this big event, and he kindly agreed to share his thoughts with the readers of Boxe Punch.
At what age did you first step into a boxing gym, and what made you try this sport?
I first entered a gym at 13 in Tirana, with the desire to learn boxing and start fighting. I was fascinated by the great champions I watched at the Olympics and in professional boxing.
When did you settle in Italy, and why did you decide to move there?
I arrived in Italy in 2015, on the advice of a boxer friend who trained at Boxing Club Castelfidardo. At that time, professional boxing was not very developed in Albania, and I wanted to turn pro. I trained in Castelfidardo for two months to evaluate the environment and the coaches’ skills, and I immediately understood it was the right place for me. Most of the gyms I had been to, including those in Germany, were amateur-oriented, while at B.C.C. I found a completely different approach. I went back to Albania, took a few months to think about it, and then I packed my bags and moved. In my first year, I competed as an amateur under the Italian Boxing Federation while completing all the medical requirements to turn professional. In the second year, I made the leap, still registered with the FPI. The biggest disappointment of that period was the “belt tournament” I had entered with great expectations: all three of my opponents withdrew shortly before the fights, and I couldn’t face anyone. Thanks to B.C.C., I made my debut at home and had several fights in Italy. Then, due to difficulties renewing my documents and finding opponents, I registered with the Albanian federation, which had meanwhile introduced a professional sector. Albania is in my heart, but Italy is my second country—I feel at home and surrounded by people I consider my second family.
How would you describe your boxing style? What are your main strengths in the ring?
My style is very technical. I like to box well, but I don’t shy away from a fight when necessary.
In recent years, your professional career has mainly taken place in Albania. What does it feel like to fight in front of your home fans?
Yes, I’ve had many fights in Albania, where professional boxing has grown a lot in recent years thanks to promoters, sponsors, managers, and passionate people who believe in it. I thank them all for giving me this opportunity. Fighting in front of my people is always a source of pride—they are part of me, and it feels like they step into the ring with me.
On April 5, you will step into the ring at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Australia for what is the most important fight of your life. Tim Tszyu, despite being a top-level fighter, has shown some vulnerabilities in recent years. Will you try to expose them with an aggressive approach? What kind of fight do you expect?
I know what awaits me, and we have prepared for everything. I know I’ll be fighting in front of a crowd supporting Tim, but that’s fine—I’m ready and it doesn’t bother me. I will choose the strategy based on how the fight unfolds. We have several plans, but I prefer not to reveal them.
Final question: from zero to one hundred, how much do you believe in this upset?
Personally, I believe in it 100%. Not out of arrogance—I know I’m facing a former world champion—but because I trust myself and my team. There will be many factors against us: the long trip, the crowd support for my opponent, the media and promoters backing him, the home advantage, and the time difference. But we are ready, mentally prepared. If I didn’t believe, I wouldn’t take this fight—boxing is serious. So my answer is 100!