'Made to order': Takeshi Inoue vows to derail Tim Tszyu's world title dream

Tszyu risks a mandatory shot at WBO super welterweight champion Brian Castano's crown when he faces Japanese contender Inoue in Sydney on Wednesday night.

The unbeaten Sydneysider hit back at claims Inoue surpasses him in power and speed, making it known "I'm in that mode now, in that zone where I just want to hurt people".

But that wasn't going to stop Inoue vowing to derail Tszyu's title ambition.

"When I have watched Tim Tszyu, his fights, I can see very clearly that in many ways he is made to order for me," Inoue said through an interpreter.

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"It's not at all that I've really seen any weaknesses to be honest. It more has to do with my trainer, how he has been working me, how he is very confident.

"This is my chance to get back to the world title. It's what I've been working towards from the beginning of my career, to realise my dream as world champion.

"I realise that Tim is an extraordinary opponent so I don't expect it to be an easy fight. I'm just going to apply myself, give it 100 per cent, and I will be going for the knockout."

Tszyu's manager Glen Jennings has steered the 27-year-old to a 19-0 record in his professional career. Twenty times they have entered fight week, and 20 times "we've heard our opponent is going to be better than Tim".

But glance down the card for Wednesday night's show in the Sydney Olympic Park precinct and you see a list of names who have fallen victim to Tszyu inside the ring.

Among them are former world title challenger Dennis Hogan, Joel Camilleri, and co-main event fighter Wade Ryan. Tszyu claimed unanimous decision wins over Ryan and Camilleri, and stopped Hogan inside five rounds.

"[Inoue's] manager said before, speed and power, but I've been taught differently. In boxing, speed and power is not the main thing," Tszyu said.

"It's what's inside your brain and your IQ, being 10 steps ahead of your opponent. You can be the quickest puncher, you can be the hardest puncher, you can do everything perfect, but if you aren't able to have the IQ and know what you're doing, it's not going to get you anywhere.

"It's a similar type of style to Brian Castano. It's going to be a good test to that world stage, and it is a world-calibre opponent. I do respect everything he has done but I've come into this sport not just to achieve [one] world title, but world titles in multiple divisions.

"I'm here for the long run, I'm 27 years old. I've been in front of the cameras now for six, seven fights. Each fight feels like a world title, the calibre and the atmosphere feels like a world title.

"In all honesty, I'm in that mode now, in that zone where I just want to hurt people. I've said it before, under six rounds, but if I want to hurt him for a bit longer, we'll see on the night."

BOXING

Wednesday, November 17: Tim Tszyu v Takeshi Inoue at Sydney Super Dome. Tickets from Ticketek. Broadcast live on Main Event.

FIGHT CARD

WBO Global and WBO Asia Pacific super welterweight championships: Tim Tszyu [19-0] v Takeshi Inoue [17-1-1]

IBO International super welterweight championship: Wade Ryan [19-9] v Nath Nwachukwu [7-1-2]

Super welterweight: Joel Camilleri [20-6-1] v Koen Mazoudier [8-2]

Super welterweight: Dennis Hogan [28-4-1] v Tommy Browne [42-7-2]

Heavyweight: Jackson Murray [1-0] v Shant Nercessian [1-4-1]

Bantamweight: Viviana Ruiz Corredor [1-0] v Jacinta Austin [debut]

Welterweight: Alex Lual [2-0] v Trent Girdham [2-0]

Super welterweight: Benjamin Hussein [3-1] v Darwin Sagurit [debut]

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