Tim Tszyu faces the toughest test of his career on Wednesday and says he wants to inflict maximum damage on his opponent.
Tim Tszyu has one eye on a world title fight but he needs to pass his next test before moving on to bigger and better things.
The Aussie takes on Takeshi Inoue in Sydney on Wednesday night in what looms as a blockbuster fight between two high quality opponents.
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The Japanese fighter represents the toughest challege of Tszyu’s career, in which he is undefeated from 19 bouts.
In typical fashion, both fighters have come out and said they will knock the other out, but Tszyu’s comments show how little regard he has for Inoue, describing him as a “small little boy”.
“It’s a similar type of style to Brian Castano, that walk forward, small little boy, big muscly and swinging type of style,” Tszyu said at a pre-fight press conference.
“It’s going to be a good test to that world stage and he (Inoue) is a world calibre opponent. I respect everything he has done.
“I’ve come into this sport not to achieve (just) a world title, but world titles in multiple divisions.”
After being named the WBO’s mandatory challenger for Castano’s super welterweight belt, Tszyu could have waited for his title shot with the Argentine in early 2022 but wants to stay active, saying: “I’ve got things to do, things to achieve, bodies to punch and faces to hurt and that’s what I’m going to do.
“I’m here for the long run.
“I’m in that mode now, in that zone and I just want to hurt people … I said before (the fight will finish) under six rounds, but we will see.
“If I want to hurt him for a bit longer, I will decide. We will see on the night.”
There were more fighting words at the weigh-in, where Tszyu hit the scales at 69.52kg and Inoue registered 69.86kg. The Aussie said the fight “only ends one way” as he threatened his opponent with some serious damage.
“Let him do what he wants. One thing I know is I’m coming for his head, and his body and everything,” Tszyu said.
“I’m coming for him.”
Here’s everything you need to know about the Tszyu vs Inoue fight.
When is the fight?
The main card for the Tszyu-Inoue fight is scheduled to get underway on Wednesday 17 November at 7pm (AEDT).
The undercard will commence at 6pm and the main card will start at 7pm.
Depending on how long the other fights on the card go for, Tszyu and Inoue will likely enter the ring a couple hours later, by around 10pm. Although it’s not an exact science.
Where is the fight taking place?
The fight will be held at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.
How can I stream the fight?
You can watch the Tszyu-Inoue fight on Foxtel’s Main Event (channel 521) or stream it on Kayo, both for $59.95 pay-per-view.
Tale of the tape
Tszyu has an excellent 19-0 record (with 15 knockouts), while the only blemish on Inoue’s 17-1-1 record is a tough loss to Jaime Munguia in 2019 in their WBO light middleweight fight.
At 27, the Aussie is four years younger than Inoue.
Tszyu’s most recent win was against Stevie Spark in July while Inoue’s last victory was over Nath Nwachukwu in November 2020.
What are the betting odds?
Tszyu is an almost unbackable favourite to keep his undefeated record in tact, paying just $1.06 with the bookies to win, while Inoue is a rank outsider at $7.50.
Here are the odds for the method of victory:
Tszyu Points or Decision: $4
Tszyu KO/TKO: $1.40
Draw $34
Inoue Points or Decision: $15
Inoue KO/TKO: $14
Main fight card
— Tim Tszyu vs Takeshi Inoue, 10 rounds, super welterweight – Tszyu’s WBO Global title, WBO Asia Pacific title
— Wade Ryan vs Nath Nwachukwu, 10 rounds, super welterweight – vacant IBO Intercontinental title
— Joel Camilleri vs. Koen Mazoudier, 8 rounds, super welterweight
— Dennis Hogan vs. Tommy Browne, 6 rounds, super welterweight
Undercard
Jackson Murray vs Shant Nercessian, 4 rounds, heavyweight
Viviana Ruiz Corredor vs. Jacinta Austin, 4 rounds, bantamweight
Alex Lual vs Trent Girdham, 4 rounds, welterweight
Benjamin Hussain vs Darwin Sagurit, 4 rounds, super welterweight