Undefeated junior welterweight contender Tim Tszyu is less than a week away from high-stakes showdown with countryman Jeff Horn, scheduled for next Wednesday in Townsville with as many as 16,000 fans expected.

Horn, a former WBO welterweight champion, has a large edge in experience with fights against world class boxers like Manny Pacquiao and Terence Crawford.

Despite his inexperience and taking a big step up in class, Tszyu is a big betting favorite with the bookies.

Former world champions and Australian legends, Jeff Fenech and Anthony Mundine, are backing Horn to win.

"Early on I was convinced Tim Tszyu could win the fight, but the more I've watched and studied, my opinion has changed," Fenech told Sporting News.

"I love Tim, I love his family and I've known him since birth, but I don't think he's fought someone like Jeff Horn. He hasn't fought someone who's as rough and tough as Jeff Horn. Although Tim says he's got a plan for everybody, Mike Tyson said it best: everyone's got a plan until they get hit in the face."

"Tim's got all the skills and ability in the world, but I just don't know if he's got the roughness or toughness that Jeff Horn's going to bring into the ring. Jeff just came back from death row and beat Michael Zerafa, he beat the great Manny Pacquiao. He's fighting a young kid who's really determined, but Tim's fighting someone stronger than anyone he's ever fought. Horn throws punches from angles that aren't normal."

Mundine captured world titles at weights as high as super middleweight. In the second to final bout of his pro career, he was stopped by Horn in one round in 2018.

He believes the young Tszyu is biting off more than he can chew at the moment.

“It’s the first real test for Tsyzu. He’s a good young talent but doesn’t have the experience,” Mundine told Sporting News. 

“Why Horn is so effective is because of his unconventional style. He comes from all different angles, he uses his elbows, his head and he can crack. He’s got some power. He's so unconventional. He fights like he's drunk, which is good sometimes, because you don't know what you're going to get.

“Timmy will be ready for it physically – he’s very fit and he prepares well – but can he withstand that onslaught? Horn needs to be the playground bully. Come with that style and belief, have a good chin and get off the power shots. Tie up when necessary and continue bringing the onslaught. I’m leaning slightly towards Jeff, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Tim can do it.”