Australian boxing takes centre stage this Sunday as Tim Tszyu returns to face former unified world champion Errol Spence in a blockbuster main event at Afterpay Arena.
The card also features several of Australia’s top prospects, with Stephen Fulton, Liam Wilson, Ahmad Reda, Callum Peters and Paulo Aokuso all in action. We’ve analysed each fight and picked our best boxing bets from the six-fight main card.
Tim Tszyu vs Errol Spence Jr.
The TAB can’t split the headline fight, with both Tszyu and Spence priced at $1.91, and the draw paying $15.
Tszyu showed his potential when defeating Brian Mendoza to win the WBO super welterweight title, but his career has stalled since then. The Australian lost three of his next four fights before bouncing back with consecutive victories against easier opponents.
Spence is also looking to bounce back after suffering the first loss of his career. The American was 28-0 before Terence Crawford stopped him in the ninth round of their blockbuster fight. Losing to Crawford isn’t a bad thing, as Crawford is a legend of the sport.
Both men are trying to revive their careers, but it should be Spence prevailing in an even contest. His experience could prove too much for the Australian.
Stephen Fulton vs Liam Wilson
Another Australia vs USA clash sees Stephen Fulton take on Liam Wilson in the super featherweight division.
Wilson has built a solid professional record, but this is comfortably the biggest test of his career. Fulton has fought at world championship level for years and has faced significantly tougher opposition than the Australian.
That experience is reflected in the betting, with Fulton a $1.33 favourite. Wilson has the ability to be competitive at this level, but over 12 rounds it’s difficult to ignore the American’s class and experience.
Include Fulton in boxing multi bets this week.
Callum Peters vs Ivan Ricardo Actis
Callum Peters continues his rise against unbeaten Argentinian Ivan Ricardo Actis.
The 23-year-old Australian has won all seven professional bouts after an outstanding amateur career that included a world No. 2 ranking. Peters is regarded as one of Australia’s brightest prospects and has looked impressive in every fight of his career.
Actis also brings an unbeaten record into the fight, but his opposition hasn’t been close to the standard Peters has faced. The step up in quality could prove too much, and South American fighters don’t have a good record down under.
At $1.10, Peters offers little value as a single bet, but he looks one of the safest winners on the card and is worth considering in boxing multis. He could get Actis out of the ring in the first couple of rounds, and it could be the most dominant performance of the afternoon.
Paul Fleming vs Ahmad Reda
Veteran Paul Fleming meets unbeaten prospect Ahmad Reda in an intriguing matchup, where betting markets suggest Reda is the man to beat.
Fleming has plenty of experience with a 28-1-2 record, but Reda is quickly emerging as one of Australia’s best young fighters. The Sydneysider has won all eight professional bouts, with six coming by knockout.
His decision victory over Bruno Tarimo also showed he can win tough fights when the knockout isn’t happening, and we believe that fight will do his career wonders down the line, including on Sunday.
Fleming should make Reda work, and it won’t be an easy win for Reda, but the favourite is the man to include in boxing tips.
Paulo Aokuso vs Luis Antonio Tejeda
Paulo Aokuso puts his unbeaten record on the line against dangerous puncher Luis Antonio Tejeda.
Aokuso has won all 10 professional fights, with five victories coming by knockout. The Australian continues to improve and has shown he has the tools to become a fighter with title ambitions.
Tejeda has knockout power of his own, making this one of Aokuso’s toughest tests. However, Aokuso has a devastating right hand, and it could be put to good use in front of a home crowd.
He is another fighter expected to win in the early rounds, and we’re not betting against him.
Tina Rahimi vs Sacha Ryan Dryden
Olympian Tina Rahimi makes her professional debut against Sacha Ryan Dryden to open the main card.
Rahimi enjoyed an outstanding amateur career before making the move to the professional ranks and has attracted strong support in betting markets.
Dryden enters with a 2-2 record but hasn’t shown enough to suggest she can trouble a fighter of Rahimi’s calibre.
If Rahimi handles the transition to the pro ranks, she should start her career with a victory.