Tim Tszyu vs Dennis Hogan is the most anticipated fight of 2021. Picture: @ddpsports Twitter
This week’s WBO Super-Welterweight title eliminator fight between Tim Tszyu and Dennis Hogan is a monumental point in the careers of both men.
While Tszyu gets the opportunity to prove himself against a fellow fighter in the top tier of the World ranks, Hogan is aiming to make it past the cross roads and show the world that he still belongs in the same conversation as the sport’s elite.
The Inner Sanctum asked a number of professionals to give their picks for the highly anticipated “Steel City Showdown.”
Ben “The Hunter” Horn – WBF Australasian Welterweight Champion
“I believe Hogan will win on points if he can last the whole fight. He is super awkward and can box well. Tim will have it cut out for him. He hasn’t fought anyone to Dennis’ calibre as Jeff wasn’t himself when they fought. I hope Dennis wins because he is my mate and ex-stable mate.”
Billel “Baby Face” Dib – Former WBA Oceania, interim WBO Oriental and Australian Super-Featherweight Champion
“I think right now Tszyu is on a high at the moment in terms of confidence and is only getting better each time out. Hogan will pose a genuine threat and no knock to Hogan’s ability, I just think Tszyu will be very difficult to beat in Australia right now.”
Billy “The Kid” Dib – Former IBF World Featherweight Champion and IBO World Super Featherweight Champion
“In my own opinion I believe Tim will win comfortably. He continues to go from strength to strength improving with every outing. This is in no way taking anything away from Dennis who is a fierce competitor. I just feel this is Tim’s time.”
Issac “Headsplitter” Hardman – Australian, IBF Australasian and WBO Oriental Middleweight Champion
“I feel like this will be the coming out party for Tim. He’s copped some flak for fighting “undersized” opponents in his last two outings. Hogan has been at the top end of the sport and obviously got a tough decision go against him in Mexico then got smashed by Charlo. I think Tim is going to walk him down and dismantle him round by round and finish the fight late in rounds 8 to 10. When he does, nobody can say he hasn’t fought anyone because everyone is going off the narrative of Hogan having fought the big fish overseas and that that is what will help him win this fight.”
Jacob “The Flamingo” Ng – IBF International and WBO Oriental Lightweight Champion
“I’m picking Tszyu to win.”
Luke “Action” Jackson – Former WBO Oriental, WBA Oceania and Australian Featherweight Champion, 2012 Olympic Games Representative, WBO Interim World Featherweight Title Challenger
“Another step up of opponent for Tim. It’s been great to watch him develop over the years. I think he has too much for Hogan at this stage of Hogan’s career. Tszyu stoppage.”
“Shotgun” Shannon O’Connell – Commonwealth Female Bantamweight Champion, WBA Gold World Female Bantamweight Champion
“I think Tim wins comfortably but Dennis will be in the fight. They’ll be good rounds but Tim lands the better shots. I think Tim is all class. A fight between Zerafa and Dennis is a good match – I think the loser fights Zerafa because surely the winner gets something bigger.”
Tej Pratap Singh – Former Australian Middleweight Champion
“It’s hard to pick as Tim is young and upcoming and Hogan is experienced and fought at the World level and performed well too, several times. I’d be 60-40 in favour of Tim as he’s active and his youth and ability to surprise others will come in play. But I’d give a bit of an edge to Hogan too as in this fight, believe it or not, he’s the underdog in pretty much everyone’s eyes so it will all come to who’s will is stronger. Will be a good fight for sure.”
Tyson Lantry – Former WBF Australasian Lightweight Champion
“I actually think it’s a really great fight. I think there’s a couple of really top Aussie fights where Aussies are stepping up and fighting other top Aussies. I think it’s not going to be as easy as people think for Tim. Hogan will certainly have his moments by I think Tim comes out on top at the end of it. Dennis Hogan’s certainly there to get back up on the World stage, he’s not there to take a loss. He’s there to win and jump back up to a World title shot, as is Tim. So I think it’s a good fight for Australia.”
Tszyu vs Hogan goes down on 31 March live on Main Event and Kayo Sports. Order here: https://mainevent.kayosports.com.au/
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