Carlos Ocampo says as a “gentleman” he won’t target Tim Tszyu’s injured arm in their WBO title showdown on the Gold Coast later this month.
But the Mexican fighter warned he still plans to end Tszyu’s unbeaten run and crush the Australian’s plans to take on undisputed super-welterweight king Jermell Charlo later this year in America.
The sold-out fight on June 18 was recently put in doubt when Tszyu needed more than 20 stitches in his arm after being bitten by a dog.
Ocampo, 27, said he hoped the Sydneysider had made a full recovery so he would have no excuses come fight night.
“I wish him a speedy recovery because I hope it’s not an excuse on Sunday June 18,” Ocampo said in a promoter statement on Thursday.
“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.”
Ocampo has only been beaten twice in a 37-fight professional career, his 12-streak win record ended last October by WBC interim champion Sebastian Fundora by unanimous decision after 12 tough rounds.
The only other loss of his career also came in a world-title fight, against the current unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr back in 2016.
Ocampo said he had prepared well for the challenge of facing interim WBO super-welterweight champion Tszyu (22-0).
“This has been the best preparation of my career,” he said.
“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.”
Australian Associated Press