Top Australian boxer Tim Tszyu has confirmed his fight later this month will go ahead despite a dog bite threatening to scupper plans.
Tszyu was bitten on the right arm by a friend’s dog last weekend, requiring emergency surgery and stitches.
But he fronted media on Friday to provide an exciting update.
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“(Pulling out) was never considered an option. If I couldn’t punch with my right then I’d fight with one hand,” Tszyu said.
“I was actually quite nervous as well… but today I woke up and I was ready to spar.
“Everything is on track. At first I was a bit nervous when it happened, but a week after the incident and it’s all on track.”
Tszyu will fight Carlos Ocampo for the interim WBO super-welterweight title on June 18.
The 28-year-old has been in a holding pattern of sorts since his world title fight with American superstar Jermell Charlo in January was postponed.
Charlo broke a hand in training, forcing the fight to be put on the backburner, but the WBO has ordered the American to fight for his belts before the end of September.
It means if Tszyu beats Ocampo and retains his unbeaten record, he will likely face Charlo for a shot at becoming undisputed super-welterweight king.
Those plans, though, were momentarily in jeopardy.
“A dog came at me. I defended myself and he took a little bite at me,” Tszyu explained of the Saturday incident that landed him in hospital.
“I was in the gym Monday… so it didn’t really limit me at all.
“Not ideal to go into surgery three weeks before the fight. But there is a dog in me right now that is about to come out.
“I knew it was going to be superficial, none of the muscles were showing or anything.
“A lot of people would have pulled out (of the fight) but I’m not like that.”
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