Tim Tszyu’s case for a world title shot grew even stronger with a convincing unanimous decision over Takeshi Inoue at Qudos Bank Arena on Wednesday.
The judges turned in two cards of 120-107 and one of 119-108 – an accurate reflection of the hometown favourite’s dominant performance.
Tszyu improved to 20-0 and despite not adding another highlight-reel knockout to his collection, still showcased a level of skill far beyond most in the super-welterweight division.
Having stopped his last five opponents, Tszyu admitted he was surprised by Inoue’s resilience.
“I heard him squealing, usually when people squeal they’re on the floor, this guy was squealing and he was staying up,” Tszyu said, finding positives out of going the distance.
“I think that was the best thing that could have happened – getting a good 12 rounds in before I hit the big time,” Tszyu said.
“Just being able to grind it out the whole time. I got used to these annihilations, it’s good to get the rounds in with a durable opponent.
“I’ll be back in the gym, I’ve got to be well more prepared and I need to take these guys out… the grind continues.”
Tszyu was already the mandatory challenger for Brian Castano’s WBO belt, though the Argentine could have a rematch with unified champ Jermell Charlo on the cards following their draw earlier in the year.
Glen Jennings, Tszyu’s manager, explained the machinations behind the scenes.
“We are really hopeful and excited by the prospect that it may well be Brian Castano for the world title next, it’s just really a matter of time now, it could be any day now we get a decision,” Jennings said post-fight.
“If there is no rematch, the mandate goes forward, [although] the rematch has the ability to override that.
“If those boys sat and watched tonight, Tim doing 12 rounds like that, they’d probably think it’s an easier option to do the rematch than take the mandates.
“If [Tszyu v Castano] was to fall over, Tim will be fighting in February or March regardless, we won’t wait for them.”
Domination from Tszyu. Give that man a world title shot. #TszyuInoue pic.twitter.com/4bFJgbmARb
— Tom Naghten (@tnatts93) November 17, 2021
If Tszyu does get the nod to face Castano, he’ll most likely be headed overseas for the fight, a move which suits him just fine.
“I wouldn’t mind going there, it’s always been a dream of mine, I think [the title] should be taken in the States and then brought back here – the right way,” he said.
Jennings and George Rose of No Limit both spoke about the possibility of hosting another Tszyu card on home soil if the opportunity arises.
“We’ll push as hard as we possibly can. We’ve shown that we’re capable of putting on big events, tonight was off its head and with a world title, it’s only going to be bigger,” Rose said.
“There are some names who’ve come up who’ve said they will come [to Australia], maybe not after tonight’s performance, we’ll see,” Jennings added.
“Castano is digging his heels in, he doesn’t want to came to Australia, he wants it in America.”
As for Tszyu, he would have been happy to take on another opponent after the final bell rang on Wednesday night.
“I felt like I needed to go 12 rounds, I’ve done these 10-rounders, I needed to feel that distance. I did it with ease in all honesty, I was fresh,” he said.
“I could go another 12 rounds. I remember coming back to my corner and I was like, ‘I’m sweet, my breathing’s fine, my legs are sweet.’”