Despite having a seemingly less impressive résumé compared to Tony Harrison, Carlos Ocampo is anticipated to be a tougher opponent by WBO interim junior middleweight champion, Tim Tszyu. Harrison, a former WBC super welterweight champion, is the only fighter to have defeated Jermell Charlo, the reigning undisputed 154-pound champion. While Tszyu holds Harrison in high regard, he expects a more physically taxing and demanding fight against Ocampo this coming Sunday.
Tszyu managed to commendably overpower Harrison during their March 12 bout at Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney, Australia. Harrison, who was considered to be the toughest adversary in Tszyu’s six-year professional career, was systematically beaten and stopped by Tszyu in the ninth round of their 12-round title fight. Following the impressive victory over Harrison, Tszyu senses a surge of respect in the boxing community.
Mexico’s Ocampo, who at their final press conference on Friday vowed to bring “a war”, is expected to provide immense pressure which could result in an outrageous fight. Tszyu stated, “Stylistically, I think it’s a tough fight due to just his style...he’s tough and he’s open, but at the same time he’s not. And you don’t expect the shots from all different angles. That’s always hard when you don’t have a conventional boxer in front of you.”
Despite Ocampo’s unorthodox fighting style, Tszyu is still considered a 14-1 favourite in the upcoming fight that will headline a pay-per-view show on Sunday afternoon in Australia. If Tszyu emerges victorious over Ocampo, he is expected to challenge Charlo for his IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO belts later this year.
Image Credit: No Limit Boxing