Tim Tsyzu’s camp insist he will be fit for the first defence of his interim boxing world title despite the fighter requiring surgery after being bitten by a dog.
The Australian is due to fight Mexico’s Carlos Ocampo on June 18 on the Gold Coast to defend the interim WBO super welterweight belt he claimed in March.
But he’ll have to overcome a laceration to his right forearm after a dog bite on Saturday left the 28-year-old requiring attention from the team doctor and a surgeon.
At best, the situation has played havoc with Tszyu’s preparation three weeks out from the high-stakes bout.
“It’s certainly not the ideal preparation any time a fighter ends up in hospital a few weeks out from a world-title fight,” Tszyu’s promoter George Rose said.
“But the best news right now is that Tim is doing OK.
“He has the best and most experienced team around him in world boxing. They have reassured me he’ll be more than ready on June 18 to take on Ocampo.
“If they’re confident, I’m confident.”
Tszyu’s manager Glen Jennings added: “Tim Tszyu was treated by the team doctor and surgeon on Saturday afternoon for a laceration on his right forearm.
“The wound was superficial. The post-surgical report is all good.”
“There is no doubt that Tim will be ready and 100% healthy and focused to take on Carlos Ocampo on June 18.”
Tszyu has a guaranteed unification fight against American star Jermell Charlo later this year.
Rather than wait for that, the Australian has risked it all against Ocampo just as he did when he beat Tony Harrison two months ago.
Tszyu and Charlo were set to meet in January but the undisputed champion from Louisiana broke his hand in training, leaving their clash in limbo.