Home Boxing News Tim Tszyu provides update on injury that threatened to derail Carlos Ocampo...

Tim Tszyu provides update on injury that threatened to derail Carlos Ocampo fight

Tim Tszyu. Photo credit: David Clark/News Corp Australia

WBO interim junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu 22-0 (16) says his fight against Carlos 35-2 (23) was always going to proceed despite being attack by a dog at a friend’s BBQ last weekend.

The Staffordshire terrier latched onto his arm and refused to let go, leaving him with a wound that required 26 stitches and a course of antibiotics to prevent infection.

The 28-year-old Australian is reportedly back in the gym putting the finishing touches on his camp for his fight against Mexico’s Ocampo, 27, who he will face at the Gold Coast Convention Centre in Broadbeach, Queenlsand on June 18.

“Quick little update, I’m good,” Tszyu said. “Actually I’m real good. Nothing is wrong. I had a little bit of an incident on the weekend but I’m good to go. Thank you everyone for the messages, I truly appreciate it. But, man, we’re good to go June 18. The show goes on. Nothing changes.

“The road to undisputed continues. Never, ever did I say I was going to pull out or postpone. Ain’t gunna happen. Never was. Never will. I’m ready. June 18, let’s get it on. See you all there.”

Tszyu’s promoter George Rose of No Limit Boxing said he was “shocked and worried” when he heard about the incident at the BBQ.

“Like everyone, I was shocked and worried when I first heard the news,” Rose said.

“It’s certainly not the ideal preparation any time a fighter ends up in hospital a few weeks out from a world title fight but the best news right now is that Tim is doing okay.

“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 was as confident as ever that his fighter would be ready for Ocampo on June 18.

“Tim Tszyu was treated by the team doctor and surgeon on Saturday afternoon for a laceration on his right forearm,” Jennings said.

“The wound was superficial. The post surgical report is all good.

“There is no doubt that Tim will be ready and 100% healthy and focused to take on Carlos Ocampo on June 18.”

Tszyu is guaranteed first crack at undisputed champion Jermell Charlo 35-1-1 (19) once the American recovers from the hand injury that derailed their January bout.

Instead of sitting on the sidelines, Tszyu has opted to remain active. In March he beat Tony Harrison 29-4-1 (21) by ninth-round knockout and now he faces the well credentialed Ocampo.

When the fight was announced, Rose was under no illusion as to how high the stakes were.

“It’s massive. It’s the news we’ve been waiting on but again highlights just how big a risk Tim’s fight next month on the Gold Coast is,” he said.

“If Tim’s loses, it’s over. No Charlo, no undisputed, no nothing.”

“After all the waiting and uncertainty, it’s crazy to think it’s Jermell Charlo who has the advantage. He’s prepping now and doesn’t have a world-class, tough Mexican in Carlos Ocampo trying to take everything away from him.

“Sunday, June 18, has just become a whole lot bigger. The stakes couldn’t be higher.

“His shot at undisputed depends on it.”

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