Mexican contender Carlos Ocampo, who takes on undefeated Tim Tszyu for his Interim-WBO 154-pound title, has promised to derail the Australian star before his hometown crowd.
The fight takes place next Sunday June 18 (June 17 in the United States) from the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia. Showtime will televised live in the U.S.
The 27-year-old Ocampo (34-2, 22 KOs) was on a 12-fight win-streak prior to his last matchup, which saw him drop a decision to 154-pound contender Sebastian Fundora last October.
The only other loss of his career came against the current unified welterweight champion Errol Spence, Jr. in 2016.
Should Ocampo win, he would take over Tszyu’s guaranteed shot at undisputed junior middleweight champion Jermell Charlo – which the WBO ordered to take place by September.
“I took the fight against Tim Tszyu because he represents an important challenge in my career. He is the one who holds the title today, and on June 18 he will understand what it is to meet a Mexican. I will beat Tim Tsyzyu, make no mistake,” Ocampo said.
“I wish him a speedy recovery [with the dog bite] because I hope it’s not an excuse on Sunday June 18. I won’t aim for your arm because I’m a gentleman. But remember, protect yourself at all times. This has been the best preparation of my career, the sparring was better than that of many world champions and my work won’t be in vain even though I have to go to the other side of the world.
“I truly believe I will beat Tim in the most unexpected way. Us Mexicans are different. We are distinguished fighters, we are real, we come to fight. In Mexico, sparring is with 12 ounces, not like in the rest of the world, which is with 16. Here (in Mexico) boxers fight to win breakfast tomorrow and the rest of the world doesn’t understand that. I’m going to fight to bring the title home. The prize for winning this fight will be me bringing the world title home to Ensenada, Baja California.”