Tim Tszyu scores savage first-round knockout win to retain world title
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Tim Tszyu makes short work of Carlos Ocampo, stopping the Mexican in the first round on the Gold Coast.
Tim Tszyu's unified world title remains intact after the son of a gun retained his WBO interim light middleweight title with a spectacular victory over Mexican Carlos Ocampo.
Risking it all, Australia’s Tszyu (23-0, 17 KOs) produced an extraordinary display of firepower to successfully defend the belt he claimed with a savage ninth-round stoppage of American Tony Harrison in Sydney in March.
A self-confessed “obsessed” Tszyu knocked Ocampo out in barely a minute in a ferocious performance at the Gold Coast Convention Centre to send a chilling warning to undisputed world champion Jermell Charlo.
In 77 seconds of mayhem, Tszyu first knocked down Ocampo with a big right before finishing the South American with a brutal left hook that reduced the vanquished to tears.
Tszyu was last month ordered to fight Charlo before October 1 for the WBA, WBC, WBO and IBF belts after the pair's scheduled January 29 showdown was postponed at Christmas when the American broke two bones in his right hand.
Chris Hyde/Getty Images
Tim Tsyzu stands over Carlos Ocampo after dropping him in the first round of their world title bout.
That blockbuster bout would have been canned had Tszyu lost to Ocampo, 22 days after needing emergency surgery for a nasty dog bite to his right forearm.
Typically, though, Tszyu once again rose to the occasion to confirm his date with destiny against Charlo with the most astonishing performance of his career, extending his undefeated record to 23 wins from 23 fights with a 17th KO.
“I've got a question,” Tszyu said, seemingly irritated by continually living in his father's shadow.
“What's my mother-f...ing name?
“There's no doubt I'm going to America, that's the land I want to conquer.
Chris Hyde/Getty Images
Tim Tszyu celebrates his rapid victory at Gold Coast Convention and Entertainment Centre.
“I'm not satisfied with his interim belt – I want all four and I want the name Charlo on my resume.
“I did it quicker than your boy mate, so let's dance in October.
“I copped a lot of different adversities, so it was about getting the job done.
“I didn't think it would be that early because this guy is a warrior. I am coming back with four belts.”
AAP
