Mexico’s Carlos Ocampo has warned Tim Tszyu he has “no excuses” and should protect his right arm “at all times” after agreeing to fight just three weeks after emergency surgery on a severe dog bite.

Speaking via the aid of an interpreter, Mexico’s top ranked super welterweight has also stressed he plans to shock the boxing world “in the most unexpected way” during his WBO title showdown on June 18.

As first revealed by Fox Sports Australia last week, Tszyu received 26 stitches to a large laceration on his right arm after being attacked by a mate’s bull terrier at a Saturday evening BBQ.

Watch undefeated Australian superstar Tim Tszyu put his title on the line against Mexican warrior Carlos Ocampo LIVE on Main Event available on Kayo & Foxtel, Sunday 18 June 6PM AEST. ORDER NOW >

Initially, it was feared the interim WBO super welterweight champ would have to cancel his hyped title defence at the Gold Coast Convention Centre on Sunday week.

Yet while the fight remains on, the big concern now for Tszyu is what impact said injury will have on his ability to perform against the division’s best Mexican fighter – and what potential there is for Ocampo to target it.

Speaking shortly before jetting out of Mexico this week, the 27-year-old challenger initially suggested he would not target Tszyu’s injured arm “because I’m a gentleman”.

Yet in the very next sentence, and without even a pause, the fighter then walked his statement back by suggesting Tszyu protect the healing wound at all times.

Ocampo then went on to say the son of Kostya Tszyu, who has never fought a Mexican, had no idea what was coming, and promised to beat him in “the most unexpected way”.

Added to all this too is the fact Tszyu is slated to fight undisputed super welterweight king Jermell Charlo later this year in America.

A loss to Ocampo, however, and that opportunity is gone.

“And us Mexicans are different,” the challenger warned.

“We are distinguished fighters.

“We are real, we come to fight.

“In Mexico, sparring is with 12 ounces, not like in the rest of the world, which is with 16 (ounce gloves).

“Here boxers fight to win their breakfast tomorrow — the rest of the world doesn’t understand that.”

Asked his thoughts on the Tszyu dog bite saga, he continued: “I wish him a speedy recovery because I hope it’s not an excuse on Sunday, June 18.

“I won’t aim for your arm because I’m a gentleman. But remember, protect yourself at all times.”

In a distinguished career spanning 36 fights, Ocampo has lost only twice – both in world title outings against Sebastian Fundora and Errol Spence Jnr.

Before losing to Fundora via unanimous decision last October, when challenging for the WBC interim title, the Mexican was on a tear of 12 straight wins.

And he is now tipping it will be the old adage of ‘third time lucky’ when he throws down against Tszyu inside the Gold Coast Convention Centre.

“I took this fight against Tim Tszyu because he represents an important challenge in my career,” he said.

“He is the one who holds the title today, and on June 18 he will understand what it is to meet a Mexican.

“I will beat Tim Tsyzyu, make no mistake.

“This has been the best preparation of my career.

“The sparring was better than that of many world champions and my work, even though I have to go to the other side of the world, won’t be in vain.

“I truly believe I will beat Tim in the most unexpected way.”

Speaking with Main Event’s Ben Damon late last week, Tszyu revealed the gash to his arm was so deep, it was like “hanging two pieces of meat together”.

“It was funny,” he said, “I was in my operating bed and getting ready to go into surgery, and all I hear in the background is someone watching Kayo and a little ad comes up – Tim Tszyu fighting on the Gold Coast.

Watch undefeated Australian superstar Tim Tszyu put his title on the line against Mexican warrior Carlos Ocampo LIVE on Main Event available on Kayo & Foxtel, Sunday 18 June 6PM AEST. ORDER NOW >

“And I just said to the nurse, ‘Tim Tszyu’s not fighting on the Gold Coast at this moment in time!’

“It was just a bit of fat (that was visible), just a bit of blood… I was hanging the two pieces of meat together.

“These things happen, it’s a dog, you know? I was ready for Round 2 actually. I called my mate up, and I was like we’ve got to get the dog back man, Round 2!

“My Frenchie’s a little softie so that wouldn’t have helped, he would’ve gotten eaten alive.”

Tszyu said he could begin sparring now, two and a half weeks out from the fight, but doesn’t want to “rip anything open”.

“I’ve tried to take it a bit easier with the punching, but I’ll be sparring my last week next week, so I’ll be back into it.

“I haven’t told many people but I’ve dealt with a lot of injuries in my career.

“I had a broken hand leading up to my first fight in my first year – I should’ve pulled out but I didn’t. Leading up to Charlo I had a torn shoulder; I didn’t say nothing, I just kept going along with it and got on with it.”