Sydney hosts one of the biggest boxing events of the year this Sunday, with Tim Tszyu looking to get his career back on track against former unified world champion Errol Spence Jr. in a fascinating main event at Afterpay Arena.
The headline fight is supported by a strong undercard featuring a mix of established names and rising Australian talent. Stephen Fulton, Liam Wilson, Ahmad Reda, Callum Peters, Paulo Aokuso and Olympic medallist Tina Rahimi all feature on a card packed with betting opportunities.
Here are our best bets for every fight on the main card, with odds available at Betcha.
Tim Tszyu vs Errol Spence
Tszyu is in the middle of rebuilding his career after posting back-to-back wins. He looked to have the world at his feet as a champion, but two losses to Sebastian Fundora put a sudden halt to his progression.
Spence is also chasing redemption after suffering his first career defeat against Terence Crawford. Before that loss, Spence had built a 28-0 record, including wins over notable American fighters.
It’s tough to look past Spence as the best winning hope in the fight. He might be the older fighter who has to travel, but his class is superior, and $1.91 for a fighter of his quality is tough to turn down.
Stephen Fulton vs Liam Wilson
Stephen Fulton meets Liam Wilson in an intriguing super featherweight contest, where Fulton is favoured to win at $1.33.
Wilson has earned his opportunity through consistent local fights, but this represents the toughest challenge of his professional career. Fulton is a proven world-class fighter, and again it’s a case of picking the fighter with a better all-round record.
The American has firmed into $1.33 favouritism, and it’s difficult to argue with the market. Wilson’s toughness should keep him in the fight early, but Fulton will wear him down over 12 rounds.
The odds are on the shorter side of value, but Fulton is the man to bet on.
Callum Peters vs Ivan Ricardo Actis
Few Australian prospects are generating as much excitement as Callum Peters, who puts his unbeaten record on the line against Argentina’s Ivan Ricardo Actis.
Peters has transitioned seamlessly into the professional ranks after a decorated amateur career. The 23-year-old has won all seven pro bouts, and he doesn’t appear to be slowing down.
Actis is also undefeated, but his record hasn’t come against strong opposition. Travelling to Australia for the biggest fight of his career is another obstacle, and he’ll need to produce something special to stay with Peters.
The odds reflect the expected gap in class, with Peters heavily favoured. While the odds are short, Peters is eyeing a quick KO.
Paul Fleming vs Ahmad Reda
Experience meets youth as veteran Paul Fleming takes on unbeaten rising star Ahmad Reda.
Fleming’s 28-1-2 record demands respect, and the experienced campaigner knows how to make opponents work. However, Reda is a rising star of the sport, and we expect him to win handsomely.
The undefeated Sydney-based fighter has already recorded six knockout victories from eight professional fights, so he has KO power. His unanimous decision win over Bruno Tarimo showcased his ability to go the distance, which adds to his appeal.
Fleming is a capable fighter on his day, but Reda is the hyped fighter, and he could show why.
Paulo Aokuso vs Luis Antonio Tejeda
Paulo Aokuso faces the toughest test of his professional career when he meets the dangerous Luis Antonio Tejeda.
Aokuso is 10-0, while stopping five opponents before the final bell. The former Olympian has shown steady improvement throughout his career, and he could remain unbeaten for some time.
Tejeda’s power makes him a live underdog, with nine knockout wins proving he can finish fights quickly. However, his fights have come against low-quality opposition, so winning by KO is expected.
Aokuso should be too strong for Tejeda, so include him in multi picks.
Tina Rahimi vs Sacha Ryan Dryden
The main card opens with Olympic representative Tina Rahimi making her long-awaited professional debut against Sacha Ryan Dryden.
Rahimi built an impressive amateur record before making the move into the pro ranks and is widely regarded as one of Australia’s brightest female boxing prospects.
Dryden has already gained professional experience but enters with a 2-2 record, and she hasn’t produced enough to warrant betting on her at long odds.
Rahimi should get the night started with a bang.