Tim Tszyu will make his first WBO super-welterweight interim world title defence against Mexican challenger Carlos Ocampo on the Gold Coast on June 18.
Tszyu made good on his promise not to be idle while waiting for his shot against undisputed champion Jermell Charlo by taking on another tough opponent.
Ocampo has a record of 34 wins, with his only two losses – to pound-for-pound star Errol Spence jnr and world-rated Mexican Sebastian Fundora – coming in world title contests.
Tim Tszyu will test himself against his first Mexican opponent.Credit: Wolter Peeters
Tszyu’s famous father, hall-of-famer Kostya, fought five Mexicans during his career, including the man considered the nation’s greatest, Julio Cesar Chavez. He never tasted defeat.
This will be the first time Tszyu steps into the ring with a Mexican.
“I don’t need to fight, I want to. I fear no one and will fight anyone,” Tszyu said.
“Carlos Ocampo is the perfect test for me right now as his only losses have been at the very top, for titles against the very best.
‘Dad fought five Mexicans and beat them all in his career … I would love to do the same over my career.’
Tim Tszyu
“I’ve actually always admired Mexican boxers and their tough, all-action style. They go looking for action and come for war, and that’s exactly what I want him to bring.
“Dad fought five Mexicans and beat them all in his career. He destroyed the greatest Mexican fighter of all time in Julio Cesar Chavez, and I would love to do the same over my career.
“I’ve wanted to fight on the Gold Coast for a long time now because I absolutely love it here. I’m excited to be making another massive statement with this fight, so don’t blink or I promise you’ll miss it.”
Tszyu is set to be the next opponent for four-belt champion Charlo, although that contest has been postponed indefinitely due to the American’s hand injury. Rather than wait for his shot at the king of the division, the “Soul Taker” continues to be active.
“After totally destroying Tony Harrison back in March, Tim Tszyu became one of the biggest names in world boxing,” No Limit Boxing CEO George Rose said.
“If he wasn’t fighting on the Gold Coast, we would be fighting in Las Vegas. So our plan is to bring that same Vegas atmosphere, energy and excitement all week to what is going to be an electric build up to Tszyu-Ocampo on June 18.
“Tim Tszyu is a different beast now. He’s the rare breed of modern fighter who isn’t satisfied fighting once or twice a year because he always wants more.
“So yes, it’s another massive risk – given a shot at Jermell Charlo and becoming undisputed is on the line again – but he’s done it before and we’re confident he can do it again. He has a world-class Mexican in front of him in Carlos Ocampo in what I expect will be an all-out war, but I’m backing Tim to get the job done in style.”
In the co-main event, Australia’s Sam Goodman (14-0, 7 KO) will face undefeated American Ra’eese “The Beast” Aleem (20-0, 12 KO) in an IBF super-bantamweight world title eliminator. The winner is expected to be named mandatory challenger to unified super-bantamweight titlist Marlon Tapales (37-3, 19KO).
Liam Wilson also returns to the ring following his controversial world-title loss to Emanuel Navarrete in Glendale, Arizona in February. He takes on former world title challenger Eduardo Ramirez (27-3-3) who also tasted defeat last-up against Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz in a WBC world title lightweight elimination in September 2022.
