Junior middleweight contender Tim Tszyu is taking a big risk in facing Japanese contender Takeshi Inoue on Wednesday at Qudos Bank Arena.

Should Tszyu lose, having an immediate rematch will not be enough.

The unbeaten Aussie star is risking his number one ranking under the WBO.

And unexpected loss would cost Tszyu a mandatory crack at world champion Brian Castano in 2022.

“A loss in this fight, a rematch won’t avenge what he loses,” said George Rose of No Limit, Tszyu’s promoter, to the Sydney Morning Herald.

“It’s not just a loss to Takeshi, it’s a loss of being the mandatory challenger, a loss of No.1 ranking. That’s the bigger loss. That would be a massive change to the position he’s in. Right now, all the cards are in Tim’s favor in the super-welterweight division and he’s the mandatory challenger for a world title.

“A loss to Takeshi Inoue is a loss of all of that; all of that hard work he’s put in to get into this position. That would change everything and he would have to start all over again.”

On the other hand, Tszyu feels the risk is well worth it.

The son of Hall of Fame fighter Kostya Tszyu is very motivated to continue testing himself against dangerous opponents.

“No risk at all,” Tszyu said. “I’m in this sport for 10 years, I’m here to make as many fights as I possibly can. I’m here to fight everyone I possibly can, to test myself as much as I can and then retire.

“It’s a good feeling once you’re on the scales and recharged. It’s a battle within yourself. It’s you versus you, every day.”