Tim Tszyu’s upcoming fight against Carlos Ocampo won't be scrapped despite the Aussie requiring emergency surgery following a laceration to his right arm.
Tszyu was rushed to hospital on Saturday following the injury, caused by a dog bite, potentially placing the Ocampo bout - now less than three weeks away - in jeopardy.
The undefeated Aussie is due to defend his interim WBO super-welterweight title against the Mexican at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on June 18.
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There were fears the injury could see the event cancelled or postponed but George Rose, CEO of No Limit Boxing, assured fans the show will go on.
“It’s certainly not the ideal preparation anytime a fighter ends up in hospital a few weeks out from world title fight but the best news right now is that Tim is doing OK,” Rose said in a statement.
“He has the best and most experienced team around him in world boxing.
“They have reassured me he’ll be more than ready on June 18 to take on Ocampo.
“If they’re confident, I’m confident.”
Tszyu's manager Glen Jennings reiterated Rose's comments.
“Tim Tszyu was treated by the team doctor and surgeon on Saturday afternoon for a laceration on his right forearm,” Jennings added.
“The wound was superficial. The post surgical report is all good.
“There is no doubt that Tim will be ready and 100 per cent healthy and focused to take on Carlos Ocampo on June 18.”
If the bout does go ahead as planned, the final weeks of Tszyu’s preparation will have been significantly impacted.
The Ocampo fight isn’t one Tszyu needed to take.
Just as was the case prior to his last bout with Tony Harrison, Tszyu’s position as mandatory challenger to undisputed champion Jermell Charlo is already secured.
By taking on Ocampo, and previously Harrison, Tszyu is risking his shot at Charlo, who hasn’t fought since last May after suffering a hand injury.
Rather than wait around for his shot at the American, Tszyu has opted to stay busy and sharpen his tools in the ring against some of the division’s top contenders.
If the 28-year-old is unable to take on Ocampo due to the arm injury, he and Charlo could be set for a meeting in the US later in the year.
The injury to Tszyu comes amid news recent world title challenger Liam Wilson wouldn't be appearing on the card as first scheduled.
Wilson, who fell to Emanuel Navarette when fighting for the WBO super-featherweight title in February, was due to return against another Mexican in Eduardo Ramirez but has withdrawn due to injury.
