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'Decent condition': Tim Tszyu's rival stuns in photo ahead of clash

Takeshi Inoue (pictured) poses during boxing training.
Takeshi Inoue (pictured) impressed fights fans with his impressive condition ahead of his bout with Tim Tszyu. (Image: Ben_Damon)

Takeshi Inoue has arrived in Sydney and a photo of his condition has confirmed what many already thought, this will be Tim Tszyu's biggest test yet.

Inoue is ranked 7th in the world and has held an open training to media ahead of his clash with Tszyu on November 18.

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The Japanese fighter has an impressive 19-1 record and his only lost came in a world title fight against Jaime Munguia.

And after a sparring session in front of the media on Tuesday, Inoue showed off his impressive physique as he begins his final weeks leading up to the fight.

"My condition has gotten better and also my punch is now very, very powerful so I can beat Tim Tszyu," Inoue said through an interpreter on Tuesday.

"I respect his results because Tim Tszyu has not lost.

"I respect also his boxing technique and I basically respect everything about him.

"But towards the end of the fight, I'm thinking of knockout. That's how I'm practising."

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The Japanese fighter said he enjoyed Australian beef and impressed many when he showed off his bulkier physique a little more than a week out from the bell.

Inoue has already called out Tszyu for his lack of experience against world class opposition.

While Inoue respects the Australian's undefeated record, he pointed out his lack of fights against overseas opposition could prove the difference once they step in the ring.

"Tim Tszyu has only had fights in Australia. He hasn't got experience overseas. I have more experience, including (against) Munguia," Inoue said.

"OK, I lost but his fight was very close so I am quite confident and I have much more experience so I think I can beat Tim Tszyu."

Inoue's supremely confident trainer, Tatsuya Saita - or Mr Saita to his charge - believes it's more than a risk, with a loss placing Tszyu's 2022 world title ambitions in .

"It is a mistake," Saita said.

"If I were Tim's promoter, I wouldn't let him fight against Takeshi.

"Now he has chosen Takeshi, he may regret his choice."

Inoue is one of the few opponents to go the full 12 rounds with Munguia, who has won 30 of his 37 bouts by knockout.

And Saita doesn't expect Tszyu to handle the step up in class, predicting a knockout win for the Japanese warrior "in the seventh to ninth round".

"Tim Tszyu's experience is limited to fighting in Australia," the trainer said.

"I don't think he has fought a boxer as heavy as Takeshi. Most of his opponents were lighter.

"Although he has fought against Denis Hogan, when I watched the match, I didn't think Tszyu was that strong.

"Takeshi could possibly exceed Denis Hogan two or three times."

with AAP

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