Tim Tszyu hits back at Takeshi Inoue with brutal ‘leftovers’ sledge

Tim Tszyu will face the toughest test of his boxing career next week but the Aussie has brushed off any talk of an upset with an epic burn.

Tim Tszyu has brushed off any talk of Takeshi Inoue causing an upset in their fight next week, labelling his Japanese challenger part of a group of “leftovers” he is happy knock off.

The Aussie is undefeated from his 19 professional fights (including five knockouts) but will face the sternest test of his career when he takes on Inoue in Sydney next Wednesday.

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Tszyu is the overwhelming favourite to win the bout and continue on his path to world title fight with Brian Castano after he was named the mandatory challenger for the Argentine’s super-welterweight belt.

However, pundits believe Tszyu could be in for a rude shock after Inoue touched down in Australia and turned heads earlier this week, showing off his chiselled physique at a training session.

Inoue boldly declared he planned to knock Tszyu out towards the end of the fight and warned his lack of experience fighting overseas opponents could come back to bite him, with the Japanese boxer a class above Tszyu’s previous opponents.

But Tszyu hit back, saying he wasn’t phased by his opponent’s rippling six-pack, declaring he intends to “take the soul” out of Inoue and knock him out before the halfway mark of the fight.

“It’s not a bodybuilding contest, it’s a fight,” he said of Inoue’s physical condition.

Tim Tszyu (right) reckons Takeshi Inoue will be no match for him. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

“I saw a few photos. I saw he was ripped. I’m quite happy for him that he’s got himself into a real good shape and he’s confident.

“There’s no better feeling than facing a confident fighter and then take the soul out of them.

“The best thing about boxing is muscles don’t win fights. Everyone knows that. You could be in the best shape but it all starts in (the head).

“I’ll be 10 steps ahead of him before he knows what he’s doing.”

Tszyu said he will only need a round to assess Inoue and then a couple more rounds to finish the job.

“This fight is all strategic,” he said.

“A bit of patience and the knockout will come. It’s lights out.

“One round to read my opponent, a couple of rounds to execute and that’s it.

“Most of my opponents have said they’re going to knock me out. But once we get in the ring, it’s completely different.

“When you’re gassed and tired and can’t breathe and your mind’s not thinking the same, that’s when you start questioning stuff and (then I) take the soul.”

Tszyu has prided himself on his willingness to fight anyone that comes his way as he has built up towards a world title fight over the last couple of years.

Inoue six-pack doesn’t guarantee a win, says Tszyu. Photo: Brett Costello/No Limit Boxing

After defeating Stevie Spark a few months ago, the 26-year-old had his sights set on a more high-profile international opponent than Inoue, who he described as part of a group of less-like fighter “leftovers”.

“I’m ready to take on anyone,” Tszyu said.

“I’ve already proven that. I’ll take all these leftovers. I’ll take them all one by one and, after Takeshi, they should have brought in another.

“I’ll take on two world-class opponents in one night if I have to. It doesn’t bother me.”

When is the fight?

The Tszyu-Inoue fight takes place next Wednesday November 17.

The undercard begins at 6pm, with the main card to get underway at 7pm.

How can I watch the Tszyu-Inoue fight?

You can watch the fight on Foxtel’s Main Event channel or stream it on Kayo for $59.95 pay-per-view.

Originally published as Tim Tszyu hits back at Takeshi Inoue with brutal ‘leftovers’ sledge