Tim Tszyu knocks out Carlos Ocampo in the first round, and sets his sights on Jermel Charlo

GOLD COAST, Australia — Tim Tszyu delivered an ominous warning to Jermell Charlo, smashing final challenger Carlos Ocampo in just 77 seconds to set up what is likely to be a massive fight against the American superstar for the Undisputed Lightweight Championship.

The Australian wasted little time in defending his maiden world title, coming out swinging from the opening bell at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. Tszyu landed 10 of his 20 power punches – most of them to Ocampo’s head – and knocked the Mexican down twice. First with a precise right hook and again with a devastating left hook, leaving referee Danrix Tabdasan no choice but to end the contest.

Tszyu said “I knew it would be easier to hit him, but I knew he was a fighter and could take shots. I didn’t think it would happen that sooner, in all honesty”. “You don’t get overpaid in this sport.”

Tszyu’s fastest knockout win and fourth first-round win of his career makes him improve to 23-0 (17 KOs). Charlo is now expected to fight in Las Vegas for the American Quartet of the belts at 154 pounds no later than September 30 of this year, as per WBO’s latest mandate.

Tszyu said of Charlo: “I’m definitely the better dog, right below him. He’s the guy, I’ll give him that, and I’m below him.” “I got this makeshift belt, but I’m not satisfied. I want all four. Not just the belts, I want Charlo’s name on my wrist. So get your tickets, and plan all your vacations, because we’re back with four belts.”

When asked if he had a specific message for Charlo, Tszyu said: “You did it faster than your son [Errol Spence Jr.], man. lets Dance. No offense.”

Tszyu’s promoter and No Limit Boxing boss George Rose revealed that discussions about an upcoming fight are already underway with Charlo’s camp.

“Talks were already happening before this fight, so he’s the next target. All roads lead to Charlo,” Rose said. September 30 was the deadline set by the WBO, which works with Tszyu’s team, especially after the completion of the [the Ocampo] fights. I don’t think there will be much time needed for layoffs. We’ll just be pushing for a date and announcing it soon enough.”

This isn’t the first time Tszyu has put himself in a position to fight Charlo. He and Charlo (35-1-1, 19 KOs) agreed to balancing earlier in the year; However, it was postponed indefinitely after Charlo broke his left hand in two places on the back end of his training camp.

Rather than wait for Charlo to recover, Tszyu chose to stay active. He first fought and beat Tony Harrison in March to claim the WBO interim welterweight title before stepping into the ring again and defending his title against Ocampo in style.

Earlier in the card, Australian Sam Goodman captured the world lightweight title against American Rice Aleem via split decision (116-112, 117-111, 112-116), improving to 15-0 for his career.