Tszyu vs Ocampo – Showtime, Kayo Sports – June 17 – 7 am ET

Tim Tszyu will defend his WBO super-welterweight interim world title against Mexican challenger Carlos Ocampo on Sunday, June 17, at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Australia.

Tszyu (22-0, 16KO), secured the interim world championship belt in March via a ninth round TKO of former world champion Tony Harrison. The 28 year old returns to Queensland for the first time in almost three years since he dethroned the former face of Australian boxing, Jeff Horn, in an all Australian superfight in August 2020.

Former world title challenger, Carlos Ocampo, has 34 wins and two losses as a professional with 22 coming by way of knockout. He is the #1 ranked super welterweight out of the proud fighting nation of Mexico, who’s two career defeats have come in title bouts against pound-for-pound star Errol Spence Junior and world-rated Mexican Sebatian Fundora respectively.

It will be the first time Tim Tszyu has fought an opponent out of Mexico. His father, Kostya Tszyu, fought five Mexicans over his illustrious career, including arguably the greatest Mexican fighter of all time in Julio Cesar Chavez. He never tasted defeat.

In the co-main event, Australia’s Sam Goodman (14-0, 7 KO) will face undefeated American Ra’eese “The Beast” Aleem (20-0, 12KO) in an IBF super-bantamweight world title eliminator. The winner is expected to be named mandatory challenger to unified super bantamweight titlist Marlon Tapales (37-3, 19KOs).

Liam Wilson also returns to the ring following his controversial world title defeat against Emanuel Navarrete in Glendale, Arizona in February. He takes on former world title challenger Eduardo Ramirez (27-3-3) who also tasted defeat last up against Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz in a WBC world title lightweight elimination in September 2022.

Tszyu-Ocampo will be broadcast live on Foxtel’s Main Event and Kayo Sports in Australia and on Showtime in the USA.

Promoted by No Limit Boxing and supported by the Queensland Government via Tourism and Events Queensland and Major Events Gold Coast, tickets go on sale today and can be purchased via Ticketek.com.au.

No Limit Boxing CEO George Rose said: “After totally destroying Tony Harrison back in March, Tim Tszyu became one of the biggest names in world boxing.”

“If he wasn’t fighting on the Gold Coast, we would be fighting in Las Vegas. So our plan is to bring that same Vegas atmosphere, energy and excitement all week to what is going to be an electric build up to Tszyu-Ocamo on June 18.”

“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.”

“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.

Tim Tszyu said: “I don’t need to fight, I want to. I fear no one and will fight anyone.”

“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.”

“Dad (Kostya) fought five Mexicans and beat them all in his career. He destroyed the greatest Mexican fighter of all time in Julio Cesar Chavez, and I would love to do the same over my career.

“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.”

Queensland Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said: “It’s terrific that Tim has chosen the world-class Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre for his interim world title defence. We wish him all the best and I know he’ll do us all proud.

“This event will draw thousands of visitors to the region, generating more than 8,500 visitor nights for local hotels, while also injecting $4.3 million into the Queensland economy.”

“It will also beam images of the magnificent Gold Coast into homes across Australia and around the world, with an expected domestic audience of close to one million.”

“Queensland is the undisputed events capital of Australia and with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, along with world-class facilities and unmatched destinations, we plan on holding that title for many years to come.”

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said: “I am thrilled that the Gold Coast will play host to another boxing world title fight on 18 June.”

“There is no bigger name in Australian boxing than Tim Tszyu and by the end of the year I predict he will be one the biggest names in world boxing.”

“The Gold Coast has a proven track record at delivering major sporting events so get your tickets early because they will go fast.”

For full details and tickets for Tszyu-Ocampo, go to NoLimitBoxing.com.au