Nurja (20-0, 9 KOs) is a little-known 32-year-old Albanian based in Italy who’s faced unheralded competition in his eight-year career.

But he’s promising to rise to the occasion when he takes on Tszyu (26-3, 18 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight matchup at WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong on Sunday Australian time on Kayo Sports and Saturday U.S. time on Prime Video.

“I’m ready. I respect Tim. I think he’s still in great shape, still a good level fighter and I respect him,” Nurja said during his media availability this week. “Tim will be ready and the ring will decide it, not the talking. I’m used to people talking. I don’t care what they say because I live in the present.

“This is the type of moment I have been working toward since I was a young boy. I respect Tszyu and what he has done, but I am coming to show the world who I am. When I step into the ring, people will see my level.”

Tszyu, a former 154-pound titleholder, is supposed to take on former unified welterweight champion Errol Spence (28-1, 22 KOs) this summer if he gets past Nurja.

“I understand these thoughts, but he still has to pass through me before thinking about Errol Spence, which is no easy task,” said Nurja.

Oddsmakers are expecting for it to be an easy night for Tszyu, who’s listed as a minus-1100 betting favorite, according to DraftKings. Nurja is a plus-650 underdog.

However, there are no certainties for Tszyu at this stage of his career.

The 31-year-old native of New South Wales has had a series of setbacks over the last two years, and the uneven run started in March 2024 when he lost a split decision to Sebastian Fundora in a bloodbath. Seven months later, he was brutally stopped by then IBF 154-pound titleholder Bakhram Murtazaliev.

Tszyu bounced back with a four-round KO of Joseph Spencer last April, but his momentum stalled again when he was knocked down and quit in the corner after seven rounds in a July rematch against Fundora.

Tszyu last fought to a 10-round unanimous decision win against Anthony Velazquez in December and will be making his middleweight debut.

Nurja is ranked No. 12 by the WBA at 154 pounds, has only fought once at 160 and has full intent to spoil Tszyu’s plans, once again.

“In boxing, people like to talk about what comes next,” said Nurja.

“I understand this because Tszyu has achieved important things, and he is a former world champion. But first, there is our fight — plans can change very quickly in one night.

“A victory in this fight would change everything for me. It would allow the boxing world to recognize my name and see my potential. I believe in my preparation and in my mentality. When the fight begins, I know what I am capable of doing.”

Manouk Akopyan is The Ring’s lead writer. Follow him on X and Instagram: @ManoukAkopyan