Dog bite fuels ‘dogfight’ world title defence for Australia’s Tim Tszyu

Tim Tszyu has warned Carlos Ocampo to target his wounded forearm at his peril during a tense final face-off before their super-welterweight title showdown on the Gold Coast.

Australia’s undefeated boxing superstar is defending the interim WBO belt he obtained with a savage ninth-round stoppage of American Tony Harrison in March for the first time.

Tszyu (22-0, 16KO) is also placing his unification blockbuster with undisputed divisional champion Jermell Charlo in jeopardy by stepping into the ring just 22 days after undergoing emergency surgery to repair his right forearm.

The 28-year-old needed 26 stitches to piece together the worst of the injury after being attacked by a friend’s Pit Bull Terrier in Sydney. But Tszyu bristled when asked on fight eve if his Mexican opponent would target the arm.

“What’s there to target? Honestly, there’s nothing to target. He’d be stupid if he tries,” Tszyu said while showing everyone the scars. “We’re all good. It’s healed up nicely. It’s covered in a good spot. Even if the bloke hits me with it, whatever man. Whatever, nothing’s gonna happen.”

Tszyu expects to stop Ocampo (35-2, 23KO) with relentless body blows, insisting he has the South American covered “in every single way” but is also ready to go the distance if need be.

“I wouldn’t be fighting if I think I’m going to lose, man. Let’s just say that,” he said. “I’m there for the whole 12 rounds because I’m not underestimating this bloke because he’s a tough opponent. If it happens earlier, it happens.”

Tszyu, who hit the scales at 69.5kg compared to Ocampo’s 69.74kg, methodically worked Harrison over before unleashing a flurry of brutal uppercuts that forced the referee to stop the fight in Sydney.

Claiming to be in even more