Aussie boxing superstar Tim Tszyu is once again choosing to remain active rather than bide his time for a shot at undisputed super-welterweight champion Jermell Charlo.
A press conference on Wednesday is expected to announce that Tszyu (22-0) will defend his interim WBO title at 154-pounds against Mexico’s Carlos Ocampo on the Gold Coast on June 18.
Ocampo is another formidable opponent for Tszyu, who has proved he is willing to take on tough challenges.
“I don’t need to fight, I want to. I fear no one and will fight anyone,” the Sydneysider 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.
“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.”
“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’s promoter, George Rose of No Limit Boxing, spoke about the chance his fighter was taking.
“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,” Rose said.
“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.”
The 27-year-old Ocampo has a 34-2 professional record, having stopped 22 of his opponents.
His only losses have come at the hands of former interim WBC champion Sebastian Fundora, in his last outing back in October, and Errol Spence, widely considered to be among the best pound-for-pound fighters on the planet.
Twice now, Tszyu has opted to risk his position as mandatory challenger to Charlo in order to keep busy.
Last time out in March, Tszyu won the interim WBO title when he claimed a ninth-round stoppage victory over Tony Harrison in Sydney.
Tszyu, 28, was scheduled to face Charlo in January before the American suffered a hand injury, seeing Tszyu’s attention turn to Harrison.
The win over Harrison was supposed to set up an undisputed showdown with Charlo but yet another delay beyond his control again saw Tszyu change tack to take on another high-level opponent, this time Ocampo.
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It will be Tszyu’s first time fighting on the Gold Coast, with the bout to be held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Broadbeach, while he hasn’t fought in Queensland since defeating Jeff Horn back in 2020.
Should Tszyu get past Ocampo, the long-awaited meeting with Charlo is expected to be lined up for later in the year in the US.
Two other rising stars in the No Limit Boxing stable are expected to feature on card as well, with Sam Goodman (14-0) to face American Ra’eese Aleem (20-0) and in IBF super-bantamweight title eliminator, while Liam Wilson (11-2), fresh from his world title defeat to Emmanuel Navarrette in March, will take on Eduardo Ramirez (27-3-3).
Click here to purchase tickets for Tim Tszyu vs Carlos Ocampo. On sale from 2pm on Wednesday, May 10th.
