Was Tim Tszyu hospitalized before Carlos Ocampo fight? Learn more about the Australian boxer's harrowing animal attack ordeal

Former boxing champion Tim Tszyu has dealt with his fair share of adversity inside the ring. However, his boxing opponents are not the only ones that have dished out damage to the Australian. In June 2023, Tszyu dealt with a harrowing incident that required medical attention and nearly canceled his fight.

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Was Tim Tszyu hospitalized before Carlos Ocampo fight?

Former WBO world super welterweight champion Tim Tszyu endured a harrowing animal attack that got him hospitalized just weeks ahead of his 2023 fight with Carlos Ocampo.

The 29-year-old was rushed to the hospital after his friend's dog attacked and injured his right arm during a barbeque, three weeks ahead of the WBO interim world super welterweight clash.

However, the boxer's manager was confident in his pupil's ability to recover in time to make the walk against Ocampo. He said in a statement:

"There is no doubt that Tim will be ready and 100 percent healthy and focused to take on Carlos Ocampo on June 18. [h/t The Sun]"

Timely surgery enabled the fighter to recover and lace up his gloves to face Ocampo on June 18. The champion pugilist, however, received 20 to 26 stitches for the bite.

Screenshot courtesy @HardTimesBoxing on X

In the Gold Coast clash, 'The Soul Taker' cruised to victory in the WBO interim title bout, scoring a first-round KO over his opponent.

He then followed up his hot streak with a unanimous decision win over Brian Mendoza in October 2023 to lay claim to the WBO super welterweight title. However, lost it to the towering Sebastian Fundora by a split decision this past March.

The Australian currently holds a professional record of 24-1. He is set to challenge Bakhram Murtazaliev on Oct. 19 for the IBF super welterweight title.

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When Tim Tszyu joked about getting back at the dog

While Tim Tszyu doesn't hold any grudge towards his friend for the dog attack, there seems to be part of him wanting to get back at the dog for the harrowing attack that almost jeopardized his fight against Carlos Ocampo.

Speaking to Kayo Sports about the whole ordeal, 'The Soul Taker' joked that he was ready to have another crack at the dog:

"Oh [it was] my mate's [dog]. He is still my mate. You know these things happen. It's a dog you know... I was ready for round two actually. I called my mate up and I'm like we're going to get the dog back man. Round two."

Catch Tim Tszyu's comments below (3:00):