Tim Tszyu announces shock new opponent

The Aussie star is already a mandatory challenger for a world title fight in 2022, but he will risk his rising reputation when he steps into the ring against his Japanese opponent in two months.

The undefeated fighter was hoping to fight former world champion Tony Harrison before the American pulled out at the last-minute of the contract deadline.

Instead of taking the easy way out, Tszyu is stepping back into the furnace.

Watch Deontay Wilder vs Tyson Fury III live on Main Event available on Foxtel and Kayo, Sunday 10th October from 12pm AEST. ORDER NOW >

Inoue has only lost once in his professional career, to undefeated champion Jaime Munguia.

Tszyu (19-0, 15KO) is certain to face WBO super-welterweight champion Brian Castano in 2022 and could have taken much easier opponents for his November fight.

The venue is yet to be confirmed.

Inoue is the WBO’s No. 7-ranked fighter.

“It’s time to take on the best in the division so a former world title challenger who is ranked seventh in the world might be considered a dangerous fight but for me it’s the perfect challenge,” says Tszyu.

“I got into the mandatory position by being active and beating everyone they put in front of me so I’m not going to stop now. I know Takeshi Inoue is world-class but I plan on proving that I’m the best there is.”

It was announced last month that Tszyu had been promoted to mandatory challenger for Castano’s belt.

Tszyu’s wait could be frustrating with a potential reunification rematch between Castano and Jermell Charlo also potentially in the works.

In the past year, the 26-year-old has defeated former world champion Jeff Horn, Bowyn Morgan, Dennis Hogan and most recently Stevie Spark.

Main Event will give fans around Australia a ringside seat to all the action with live and exclusive coverage of the entire card available on Pay-Per-View through FOXTEL and Kayo