A delayed opportunity against undisputed super welterweight champion Jermell Charlo has Tim Tszyu competing in side quests to prove he is a worthy challenger. His next fight features a power puncher in Carlos Ocampo, looking to win gold in his third attempt.
Tszyu defends the interim WBO super welterweight title against Ocampo on June 17 (18th in Australia). The bout, on Showtime in the U.S., is in Tszyu’s backyard in Australia, inside the Gold Coast Convention Centre.
The Aussie has faced some elite competition, from Jeff Horn, Dennis Hogan, Terrell Gausha, and former world champion and Charlo opponent Tony Harrison. With 16 wins via knockout, Tszyu is ready to take down Ocampo, who has 23 wins via knockout.
“The Tszyu legacy is five-and-zero against the Mexicans,” Tszyu said at a press conference via Fox Sports. “And growing up, watching the great rivalries, I’ve always wanted to test myself. I’m honored to fight a Mexican … and we’re looking to bring that tally up even higher.”
MORE: All you need to know about Tim Tszyu vs. Carlos Ocampo
Tszyu needed 20 stitches in his arm after being bitten by a dog a few weeks before the fight. However, he said he would be ready before fight night. Ocampo, who is 2-1 on his last three, is expecting the best of Tszyu and hopes Tim doesn’t use a “dog ate my homework” excuse if Ocampo wins.
"I hope it’s (the dog bite) not an excuse on Sunday, June 18,' Ocampo said via Daily Mail. "I won't aim for your arm because I'm a gentleman. But remember, protect yourself at all times. 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 he will understand what it is to meet a Mexican. I will beat Tim Tsyzyu, make no mistake.”
The Sporting News looks at the betting odds and offers a prediction on the outcome of this interim title fight.
Betting odds for Tim Tszyu vs. Carlos Ocampo
Per Bet MGM, Tim Tszyu is the -900 favorite, while Carlos Ocampo is the +600 underdog.
Per Sports Interaction, Tim Tszyu is the -1049 favorite, while Carlos Ocampo is the +510 underdog.
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Betting trends for Tim Tszyu vs. Carlos Ocampo
- Tszyu via KO/TKO: -225
- Tszyu via decision: +260
- Ocampo via KO/TKO: +1100
- Ocampo via decision: +1400
- Draw: +2000
Tim Tszyu vs. Carlos Ocampo fight prediction
A previous assessment of Tszyu had him as a fighter that continues to grow and can be vicious at times. It was an accurate one as he beat former world champion Tony Harrison via TKO.
Against Harrison, the 28-year-old landed 131 shots in 333 attempted blows (39.3%). Harrison could only muster 78. Tszyu landed single-digit shots only in the first round and kicked it into high gear with 25 punches in the ninth.
That fight was an improvement from his previous efforts. Against Terrell Gausha, Tszyu got dropped with a knockdown in the first round. He recovered nicely and acted as the aggressor throughout. Pushed forward, Tszyu landed 236 punches out of 749 attempts (31.5% connect rate), per CompuBox. Over 200 shots were for power, with hooks and uppercuts from the inside a factor in the fight.
MORE: Breaking down the Tszyu vs. Ocampo undercard
A stalker, Tszyu can strike at any moment, taking out his aggression in what has become a scary sight.
Before facing Errol Spence Jr., Ocampo averaged 20.3 punches landed, with a majority of his shots for power. Against Sebastian Fundora in 2022, Ocampo landed 192 (the most by a Fundora opponent) of 869 blows (22%) compared to 259 of 871 shots landed for Fundora (30%). He landed single-digit shots four times, the most being 27 twice in rounds four and five.
Ocampo is a deadly striker, but while he has fought top-tier fighters like Spence and Fundora, he wasn't able to do enough to get the win. He will have to dig deep to take down the Aussie.
With a chance to finally face Charlo, Tszyu will be as motivated as ever. If his arm doesn't come into play, Tszyu winning with brute force in the later rounds makes the most sense.
Sporting News prediction: Tszyu via TKO (round eight)
When is Tim Tszyu vs. Carlos Ocampo?
- Date: Saturday, June 17 | Sunday, June 18
- Main card: 10 p.m. ET | 7 p.m. PT | 3 a.m. BST | 12 p.m. AEST
- Main event: 12:45 a.m. ET | 9:45 p.m. PT | 5:45 a.m. BST | 2:45 p.m. AEST (approx.)
Tim Tszyu vs. Carlos Ocampo takes place on Saturday, June 17. The main card starts at 10 p.m. ET | 7 p.m. PT | 3 a.m. BST | 12 p.m. AEST. Tszyu and Ocampo should make their way to the ring around 12:45 a.m. ET | 9:45 p.m. PT | 5:45 a.m. BST | 2:45 p.m. AEST, depending on how long the undercard fights last.
How to watch Tim Tszyu vs. Carlos Ocampo
| Region | Date | TV Channel | Streaming |
|
United States |
Sat. June 17 |
Showtime |
Paramount+ |
|
United Kingdom |
Sun. June 18 |
TBA |
|
| Australia | Sun. June 18 | Prelims: Fox Sports 5 |
Prelims: Kayo Main card: Kayo (PPV) |
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Tim Tszyu vs. Carlos Ocampo price: How much does the event cost?
In Australia, Tszyu vs. Ocampo costs boxing fans $59.95.
Tim Tszyu vs. Carlos Ocampo fight card
- Tim Tszyu (c) vs. Carlos Ocampo for the interim WBO super welterweight title
- Sam Goodman vs. Ra'eese Aleem; Super Bantamweights
- Justin Frost vs. Hassan Hamdan; Super Lightweights
- Rocky Ogden vs. Mark Schleibs; Featherweights
- Liam Talivaa vs. Isaac Liki; Heavyweights
- Vegas Larfield vs. Jhunrille Castino; Super Bantamweights
- Troy Pilcher vs. Hasely Hepi; Heavyweights