Tim Tszyu took another step toward a big opportunity.
The son of Hall of Famer Kostya Tszyu defeated fellow junior middleweight contender Takeshi Inoue by a near-shutout decision in a 12-round bout Wednesday in Sydney, Tszyu’s hometown.
He’s ranked in the Top 3 by three sanctioning bodies, No. 1 by the WBO. That means he will be in prime position to fight for a major belt soon.
He was asked about that after his victory.
“It’s always been a dream of mine since I was a little kid watching boxing on the big screen,” Tszyu said, according to ESPN. “You boys finish your little honeymoons and get back in the gym and start training. I’m coming for all of you. Every single one of you. I’m ready.”
Inoue (17-2-1, 10 KOs) was seen as a legitimate test for Tszyu (20-0, 15 KOs) but was overwhelmed, as Tszyu picked him apart from beginning to end. The stocky Inoue’s only accomplishment was enduring the punishment and a 12th-round knockdown to hear the final bell.
The final scores were 120-107, 120-107 and 119-108.
The one-sided victory over a solid opponent underscored the notion that he’s a threat to any 154-pounder, including titleholders Jermell Charlo (IBF, WBA and WBC) and Brian Castano (WBO).
Tszyu could face the winner of Charlo and Castano engage in a rematch. Or, if Charlo is ordered to face mandatory challenger Bakhram Murtazaliev, Tszyu could land a title shot against Castano.
“We’re really hopeful and excited at the prospect that it might be Brian Castano for the world title next,” said Tszyu’s manager, Glen Jennings, per ESPN. “We’re expecting the IBF to make Charlo fight Murtazaliev in January. If that happens, the WBO will most likely follow suit and say Castano, you now have to fight Tim.”
And if Tszyu doesn’t fight for a title in his next bout? He’ll continue pounding away as he did Wednesday until his time comes.