Australian boxing superstar Tim Tszyu’s quest for world title glory encounters one of its more fascinating hurdles on Wednesday night in the form of imposing Japanese fighter Takeshi Inoue. Will Tszyu’s outstanding record of stopping his opponents continue?

When: Wednesday November 17, 2021 at 11:00 pm

Where: Qudos Bank Arena

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Tim Tszyu vs Takeshi Inoue Odds

Tim Tszyu vs Takeshi Inoue Preview

Many are tipping Inoue to give the undefeated Tszyu the toughest test of his career to date. But with $5.50 on offer for a Tszyu knockout victory inside four rounds, the value in the hometown power puncher getting the job done early is undeniable.

Tim is a knockout machine

Tszyu will strut to the ring at Qudos Bank Arena showing off a 19-0 record. Fifteen of those wins came by KO/TKO.

Joel Camilleri and Dwight Ritchie took Tszyu the full 10 rounds in 2019. But the other 10 of his last 12 fights have finished with Tszyu knocking out his opponent.

Twelve of his 15 knockout wins came in the fourth round or earlier. The only exceptions were fifth-round victims Ruben Webster (2016) and Dennis Hogan (2021), and the courageous Jeff Horn, who took a battering in his 2020 showdown with Tszyu before succumbing TKO in the eighth round.

Irish veteran Hogan had been stopped just once previous in 49 pro fights. His corner threw in the towel in the fifth round after a relentless barrage of head and body blows from Tszyu.

An outclassed Steve Spark – a late replacement after Michael Zerafa withdrew from his bout with Tszyu in July – performed admirably to last until the third round against the 27-year-old.

Meanwhile, Horn provided an insight into Tsyzu’s power this week, contending that his punches are heavier than renowned American bomber Terence Crawford.

Tszyu is by no means an impatient boxer. But ‘The Soul Taker’ possesses the merciless killer instinct to pick apart his opponents and finish them off as quickly as possible. Tszyu is a $1.08 favourite and just $1.36 to win by KO/TKO, underlining the value in the $5.50 available for a Rd 1-4 knockout result for the budding world champ.

Tough Inoue making a big step up

Takeshi Inoue arrives Down Under with a formidable reputation and a 17-1-1 record. His only loss came against Mexican powerhouse Jamie Munguia in early-2019.

Munguia is undefeated in 38 fights with 30 KO wins. Yet Inoue stood up to a 12-round onslaught that has felled some of the world’s best light middleweight and middleweight competitors.

The durable 31-year-old has signalled his intentions since arriving in Australia. He’s vowed to not only inflict Tszyu’s maiden defeat, but to knock him out. Eight of Inoue’s last 11 victories were by KO/TKO and he’s $13 to add to that tally at Tszyu’s expense.

Realistically, though, Inoue – as ripped and rugged as he is – will be out of his depth against Tszyu’s speed, precision and power.

Ring rust factor

Tszyu has been busy in his pursuit of world domination. Starting with his marquee bout with Horn in August last year, Tszyu’s clash with Inoue will be his fifth bout in less than 15 months.

He’s already been in the ring twice in 2021, stopping Hogan in March and Spark in July.

In the other corner, Inoue has fought just once since January 2020 – a unanimous decision victory over young compatriot Nath Nwachukwu just over a year ago.

There has to be concerns Inoue won’t quite be as sharp as he could be. Tszyu is as well-equipped as any fighter in the division to capitalise on any split-second opportunities potentially rusty adversary offers up.

Tszyu is a juicy $3.80 to win by decision on Wednesday night. But the early KO still shapes as the standout betting option here.

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