Tim Tszyu is doubling down on his desire to stay active in 2023, agreeing to defend his interim WBO superlative title against Carlos Ocampo on June 18 on the Gold Coast.
The Australian claimed the right to beat class star Jermell Charlo for the undisputed 154 lbs title earlier this year, but the bout was abandoned at the eleventh hour after Charlo broke his arm. left during the training camp match.
Tszyu (22-0, 16 KOs) could have waited for Charlo to fully recover, but instead opted to take on former WBC champion Tony Harrison at home, whom he claimed by knockout. in the ninth inning.
Tim Tszyu to fight Carlos Ocampo on the Gold Coast in June
With Charlo still not over his injury, Tszyu once again looked elsewhere. He picked Ocampo (34-2, 22 KOs), a match that will take place at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Center. “I don’t need to fight, I want to. I’m not afraid of anyone and I’ll fight anyone,” Tszyu said. “Ocampo is the perfect test for me right now.
“Dad (Kostya) fought five Mexicans and beat them all in his Boxing career. He destroyed the greatest Mexican boxer of all time Julio Cesar Chavez, and I would love to do the same. in his career. “I’ve wanted to fight on the Gold Coast for so long because I love it here. I’m excited to make another big statement with this fight, so don’t blink or I promise you’ll miss it. .”
The 27-year-old Mexican boasts an impressive résumé and has suffered just two career losses, both in world titles to Errol Spence and most recently to Sebastian Fundora.
The co-main event will feature fellow Australian Sam Goodman (14-0.7 KOs), who will face Ra’eese Aleem (20-0, 12 KOs) in a world-class title knockout. super bantamweight IBF. The likely winner will be promoted to the mandatory challenger to the Marlon Tapales Unified Division title.
