Boxer Tim Tszyu calls Michael Zerafa a fraud, calls Jermell Charlo scared as next opponent announced

Boxing star Tim Tszyu has announced he will defend his WBO super-welterweight interim world title against tough Mexican contender Carlos Ocampo – and has taken the opportunity to smash his bitter rivals Jermell Charlo and compatriot Michael Zerafa.

Tszyu returns to Queensland for the first time since beating Jeff Horn three years ago to face Mexico’s No. 1 super welterweight on June 18 on the Gold Coast.

Ocampo is a dangerous opponent, with a record of 34 wins and only two losses against world-class fighters – including undisputed American star Errol Spence jnr.

Tszyu hopes the fight will be his last fight before his final showdown with undisputed super welterweight king Jermell Charlo, who has now postponed the reunion fight with the Aussie twice due to an injured hand.

Charlo hasn’t fought in a year and Tszyu begins to wonder if the American will ever meet him.

Carlos Ocampo (pictured) is a dangerous opponent, with a record of 34 wins and only two losses against world class fighters – including undisputed American star Errol Spence Jnr

“So they (the Charlo brothers) don’t like to fight,” Tszyu said foxsports.com.au.

“I know they call themselves lions, but in reality they’re a couple…I don’t know…they just don’t do anything.

‘That’s not how lions behave, let’s just say it.

“He (Charlo) is on his way back. I’m on the slope. And by the time we fight, the difference will be shown.”

Tszyu also took aim at Aussie boxing villain Michael Zerafa, who he was reportedly in secret talks with before a mega fight last month.

Zerafa has since opted to forego his WBA world title fight against Erisandry Lara after receiving a ‘significant’ financial boost.

Tszyu has shot the bad boy of the Aussie boxing Michael Zerafa and called him a con man

Tszyu has questioned the heart of Jermell Charlo (pictured), who has now postponed the reunion fight with the Aussie twice

The Melbourne boxer is guaranteed another chance in four months, but Tszyu says the decision to take the money speaks volumes about his bitter rival.

“That just shows his character, shows exactly what type of person he is. He’s a fraud,” Tszyu said.

“I would never distance myself from a world title fight.

“But in saying that, the only fighters offered a step aside are the ones who are irrelevant. Fighters who don’t matter, the ones nobody cares about.

‘I don’t know how much he took. But that guy would accept $500.”

Tszyu’s showdown with Ocampo will be the Aussie’s first time taking on a Mexican – a challenge his father Kostya was accustomed to.

Tszyu (pictured beating Tony Harrison) looks forward to taking on a Mexican opponent

Kostya fought five Mexicans during his storied career and never finished second.

“I don’t have to fight, I want to. I fear no one and will fight anyone,” Tszyu told the Herald.

Carlos Ocampo is the perfect test for me at the moment, as his only defeats have been at the top, for titles against the very best.

“Daddy fought five Mexicans and beat them all in his career…I’d like to do the same in my career.”

“I’ve actually always admired Mexican boxers and their tough, all-action style. They go for action and come for war, which is exactly what I want him to bring.

“Papa fought five Mexicans and beat them all in his career. He destroyed the greatest Mexican fighter of all time in Julio Cesar Chavez, and I would love to do the same in my career.

“I’ve wanted to fight on the Gold Coast for a long time because I absolutely love it here. I’m excited to make another huge statement with this fight, so don’t blink or I promise you’ll miss it.”