Tim Tszyu has branded Michael Zerafa a fraud who likely accepted no more than “500 bucks” to walk away from his guaranteed world title fight – while also questioning if American superstar Jermell Charlo really wants to fight him.
In a wide-ranging interview with Fox Sports Australia, Tszyu has taken aim at both Zerafa and Charlo while also revealing his decision to once again roll the dice on a hyped world title unification bout in Las Vegas — this time against tough Mexican contender Carlos Ocampo.
The undisputed face of Australian boxing, Tszyu will front a Gold Coast press conference today to reveal he will be defending his WBO interim super welterweight strap against Ocampo (34-2) on Queensland’s famed holiday strip on Sunday June 18.
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The bout, which will be held inside the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, and beamed directly into the United States via Showtime, also shapes as the undefeated Australian’s last hit out before a unification bout against Charlo.
While initially slated to face the division’s undisputed king in January, that championship blockbuster has now been delayed twice by the American star, who broke his hand at Christmas in training.
The extended delay has been questioned by many boxing experts and fans, with some even calling on Jermell to be stripped of his gold.
Ironically, there have also been calls for twin brother Jermall – the reigning WBC middleweight champ – to also be stripped of his own belt due to inactivity.
Jermell Charlo hasn’t fought since defeating Brian Castano in May last year.
“So they don’t like to fight,” Tszyu laughed before a training session on Tuesday night.
“I know they call themselves lions, but really they’re a bunch of … I dunno … they just don’t do anything.
“Which isn’t how lions act, let’s just say that.
“He (Charlo) is on the decline.
“I’m on the incline.
“And by the time we fight, the difference will be shown.”
Elsewhere, Tszyu also questioned the decision by longtime rival Zerafa to take ‘step aside’ money for a guaranteed shot at WBA middleweight champ Erislandy Lara.
Team Zerafa have since stated the 31-year-old was “generously compensated” after forgoing his shot at Lara, who will instead face Danny Garcia.
The fighter dubbed ‘Pretty Boy’, meanwhile, will now throw down on the undercard of that same championship bout — and has been guaranteed the winner within four months.
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Yet when asked about his rival’s decision to stand aside, Tszyu shrugged: “That just shows his character, shows exactly the type of person he is.
“He’s a fraud.”
So not the path you would take?
“There’s no way I’d ever step away from a world title fight,” Tszyu continued.
“But in saying that, the only fighters who get offered step aside money are those who aren’t relevant.
“Fighters who aren’t important, the ones nobody cares about.
“So there you go.
“I dunno how much he took.
“But that bloke would accept 500 bucks.
Undefeated in all 22 professional appearances, Tszyu secured the interim world championship belt in March via a ninth round TKO of former world champ Tony Harrison.
The 28-year-old now returns to Queensland for the first time in almost three years since he dethroned the former face of Australian boxing, Jeff Horn, in an all-Australian superfight in August 2020.
Ocampo, meanwhile, is Mexico’s top ranked super welterweight.
His only two defeats have come in title bouts against pound-for-pound star Errol Spence Jr and world-rated Sebatian Fundora.
In the co-main event, Australia’s Sam Goodman (14-0) will face undefeated American Ra’eese Aleem (20-0) in an IBF super-bantamweight world title eliminator.
The winner is expected to be named mandatory challenger to unified super bantamweight titlist Marlon Tapales.
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Liam Wilson also returns to the ring following his controversial world title defeat against Emanuel Navarrete in Glendale, Arizona in February.
He takes on former world title challenger Eduardo Ramirez (27-3-3).
Yet still the undisputed storyline is Tszyu, once again, risking it all — this time against a Mexican No.1.
Throughout his own storied career, Tszyu’s Hall of Fame father Kostya fought five Mexicans including arguably the greatest Mexican fighter of all time — Julio Cesar Chavez.
He never tasted defeat.
Asked about his own career rise right now, Tszyu said Ocampo was the perfect opponent for his ongoing preparation for Charlo and, potentially, a future showdown against Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez.
“I don’t need to fight, I want to,” he said
“I fear no one.
“And Carlos Ocampo is the perfect test for me. In all honesty, it’s a privilege to be fighting the number one Mexican in my weight division.
“I always knew that eventually I was going to come up against this style.
“I’ve watched so many Mexican legends throughout the years and always admired their tough, all-action style.
“Dad destroyed the greatest Mexican fighter of all time in Julio Cesar Chavez, and I would love to do the same. Perhaps Chavez is Canelo for me one day, who knows?”
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Asked about the fight, No Limit Boxing CEO George Rose said: “Tim Tszyu is a different beast.
“He’s that rare breed of modern fighter who isn’t satisfied fighting once or twice a year, because he always wants more.
“Yes, (this upcoming fight) is another massive risk given a shot at Jermell Charlo — and becoming undisputed – is on the line again
“But he’s done it before and we’re confident he can do it again. Tim has a world class Mexican in front of him in what I expect will be an all out war.
“But I’m backing Tim to get the job done in style.”