Australian boxing champion Tim Tszyu was rushed to hospital on Saturday night for emergency surgery.
Tszyu’s right arm was in need of special attention after a serious cut. It has been reported that it was the result of a freak accident where his arm was bitten by a dog.
It is unclear, however, if the boxer owned the dog.
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The operation means his world title defence on the Gold Coast on June 18 is now in doubt, however, his manager, Glen Jennings, is backing the boxing ace in.
“The wound was superficial. The post-surgical report is all good,” Jennings said in a statement.
“There is no doubt that Tim will be ready and 100 per cent healthy and focused to take on Carlos Ocampo on June 18.”
It is expected, however, the 28-year-old’s ability to train for the fight will be severely impacted.
News of the incident was first reported by the Daily Telegraph on Tuesday.
Tszyu is booked in to fight Mexican warrior Carlos Ocampo at the Gold Coast Convention Centre.
That date came about after Tszyu lost patience with Jermell Charlo who had twice postponed the pair’s highly anticipated blockbuster in Las Vegas.
Tszyu secured his maiden world title in March with a brutal ninth-round stoppage of American Tony Harrison in Sydney.
When announcing he was taking on Ocampo, Tszyu was super excited.
He is the son of legendary boxer Kostya Tszyu who had an incredible record against Mexican champions.
Kostya had five victories over Mexicans, including the great Julio Cesar Chavez, and Tim is desperate to emulate his father’s feats.
“The Tszyu legacy, we’re 5 and 0 against the Mexicans,” Tim recently said.
“So for me growing up, being a lover of this sport, watching the rivalries – (Erik) Morales, (Barrera), the big Mexican fights like that – I’ve always wanted to test myself.
“So I’m quite honoured to be able to fight against a Mexican. It’s going to be a tough task so hopefully my hands are ready.”
No Limit CEO George Rose said he “was shocked and worried” when he first heard the news.
“It’s certainly not the ideal preparation anytime a fighter ends up in hospital a few weeks out from world title fight but the best news right now is that Tim is doing OK,” Rose said.
“He has the best and most experienced team around him in world boxing. They have reassured me he’ll be more than ready on June 18 to take on Ocampo.
“If they’re confident, I’m confident.”
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