Kostya Tszyu declares that his son can be better than he was ahead of bout against Carlos Ocampo

The apprentice has become the master, with Aussie boxing legend Kostya Tszyu declaring that his son Tim is now better than he was ahead of Sunday’s super welterweight bout against Mexican Carlos Ocampo on the Gold Coast.

Tim Tszyu, 28, is on the verge of an epic unification battle against famed American sensation Jermell Charlo.

But before the Sydney-born fighter can embark on that massive showdown, he must first defend his interim light middleweight title against Ocampo.

Tim, with an impressive record of 22 wins, 16 of them by knockout [22-0, 16KO]prepares for his inaugural defense of the WBO interim world title, which he earned by defeating Tony Harrison in March.

Overcome Ocampo [35-2, 23KO] would serve as the final obstacle that puts Tszyu in the path of an extravagant showdown with Charlo that would see multiple bonds on the line.

Kostya Tszyu supports his son Tim to get better than he was before Tim’s super welterweight fight against Mexican Carlos Ocampo on the Gold Coast

Tim Tszyu celebrates victory in the WBO world super welterweight title fight against Tony Harrison at Qudos Bank Arena earlier this year

Tszyu drew on his father Kostya’s illustrious boxing career, which included an impeccable 5-0 record against Mexican opponents, and relied on his guidance to create a strategic battle plan to defeat Ocampo.

Kostya Tszyu held multiple world championships in the light welterweight division, including the WBC, WBA and IBF titles.

Known for his destructive punching power and technical skills, Tszyu racked up an impressive record of 31 wins, 25 of them by knockout.

His career is marked by memorable victories against notable opponents including Julio César Chávez, Zab Judah and Ricky Hatton, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest light welterweight boxers of all time.

Now he says the baton has officially been passed and his son Tim was ready to be better than he was at his peak.

“I would like him to be better than me,” Kostya said News Corp.

“As far as he can go in the sport, I will be by his side.

“Even from Russia I am in his corner and I hope he can get better [than Kostya].

“If Tim ever needs me or has a question, I’m here. I love my son. There is distance but I am always close in my heart.

“It’s hard being so far apart, but we’re on the phone all the time.

‘I spoke to him recently and we worked out a strategy for Ocampo, I helped Tim step by step.

“I helped him strategically for this fight, but when it comes to execution, I know it will be his way.

“I can only help by talking to him, but the rest is up to him.”

Tim Tszyu looks lean and mean at the weigh-in for his fight against Ocampo, which could open several doors for the Australian

They say never underestimate a Mexican in a boxing ring and Ocampo will be no laughing matter for Tim Tszyu on Sunday.

American fighter Jermell Charlo and Tim Tszyu could clash in an epic unification fight if the Aussie can win on Sunday

It comes after Aussie hall-of-famer Jeff Fenech, arguably the greatest boxer in Australian history, declared that Tim ‘Soul Taker’ Tszyu has what it takes to become one of the best to step into the ring .

“Honestly, I believe Tim will become one of the greats of Australian boxing,” he said.

“Kostya was one of our greats, but with all due respect to Kostya, he was a great puncher, but other than the power punch, I think Tim has everything his father has and more.

‘Tim is getting better and better and for me he is the total package.

“It’s a big statement to say that Tim can be better than Kostya, but he will definitely forge and create his own legacy and it won’t be because he’s Kostya’s boy, that’s for sure.

“People think he’s there because of his father, but that’s bullshit, Tim made it because he’s Tim f***ing Tszyu – not his father’s son.”