Tim Tszyu knocked out Carlos Ocampo in the first round and is eyeing Jermell Charlo

GOLD COAST, Australia – Tim Tszyu sent an ominous warning to Jermell Charlo, knocking out his latest challenger Carlos Ocampo in 77 seconds to set up a top fight against the American star for the undisputed light middleweight title.

The Australian wasted no 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 20 power punches – mostly to Ocampo’s head – and charged the Mexican twice; first with a right hook and again with a left uppercut, leaving referee Danrex Tapdasan with no choice but to end the contest.

Tszyu’s fastest knockout and the fourth first round win of his career improves him to 23-0 (17 KOs). He is now expected to fight Charlo in Las Vegas for the 154-kilogram American belt no later than September 30 this year, according to a recent mandate from the WBO.

When asked if he had a special message for Charlo, Tszyu replied: “I did it faster than your son [Errol Spence Jr.], man. So come on, let’s dance.”

This is not the first time Tszyu has put himself in this position. He and Charlo (35-1-1, 19 KOs) had agreed to fight earlier this year; however, it was indefinitely postponed thereafter Charlo broke his left arm in two places after his training camp.

Instead of waiting for Charlo to recover, Tszyu decided to stay active. He first fought and defeated Tony Harrison in March to claim the WBO interim super middleweight title before re-entering the ring and defending his title against Ocampo in style.

Earlier in the card, Australia’s Sam Goodman won the super bantamweight world title against American Ra’eese Aleem by split decision, improving to 15-0.

More to follow…