Tszyu questions 'drunk' Charlo's willingness to fight

Tim Tszyu has questioned Jermell Charlo's character and commitment as he braces for a Mexican "stand-off" in the first defence of his WBO interim super-welterweight title.

Rather than remain idle and wait for Charlo, who has twice postponed the pair's unification blockbuster in Las Vegas, Tszyu will square off with Mexican warrior Carlos Ocampo on the Gold Coast next month.

Just as he did in securing his maiden world title in March with a brutal ninth-round stoppage of American Tony Harrison in Sydney, Tszyu is once again placing his slated super-fight with Charlo in jeopardy.

If he loses, Tszyu's bout with Charlo for all four divisional belts is off.

Tszyu, though, wonders if the brash American will ever really front up anyway first postponing their scheduled January 29 showdown after breaking his left hand at Christmas and then further delaying it in February.

"That's the question. You've got to ask him," Tszyu said when asked on Wednesday if Charlo was ever going to truly fight him.

"Look, I was watching the Garcia-Tank fight the other day and the guy (Charlo) was off his head. He was drunk.

"There's a difference between me and him. See, I'm active. I'm here staying ready, getting ready for the next opportunity. Every opportunity I'm going to take.

"Him on the other hand, he's on a honeymoon, he's off to Vegas, he's getting smashed.

"There's a difference and when we do meet, it's going to be trouble - not for me, but for him."

Tszyu (22-0, 16KO) knows 27-year-old Ocompo (34-2, 22KO) is no mug.

But after watching footage of his legendary father Kostya's five victories over Mexicans, including the great Julio Cesar Chavez, Tszyu has always dreamt of taking on a Mexican himself.

"The Tszyu legacy, we're 5 and 0 against the Mexicans," the 28-year-old 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."

The fight will take place at the Gold Coast Convention Centre on June 18 and Tszyu is expecting a war against his fearless, aggressive and younger opponent.

"It's bringing me against a style that's like a brick wall. You can punch (him) and it's like a brick wall," he said.

"You know how I am - I don't move back. In every fight I have had, I've never taken one step back. Maybe on occasion but usually I'm always up on the pressure.

"We'll see what happens. This is a style where we're just going to clash. It's going to be a stand-off and we'll see who takes the first back step. It ain't me.

"I've been envisioning this moment, this fight, and something devastating. I want to do something highlight reel status."