Tim Tszyu v Carlos Ocampo: David Goggins driving Aussie’s quest to quash Mexican rival

Tim Tszyu is leaving no stone unturned to be the best in the world -inspired by a former American soldier ahead of his maiden world-title defence this Sunday.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 16: Tim Tszyu and Carlos Ocampo face off during the official press conference at Pacific Fair on June 16, 2023 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Tim Tszyu has turned to the motivational deeds of a former American Navy SEAL to take him to another level in his maiden world-title defence against Mexican Carlos Ocampo on Sunday.

Tszyu is taking ‘Stay Hard’ life lessons from American icon David Goggins as he plots to obliterate Ocampo at the Gold Coast Convention Centre and book a unification blockbuster against Jermell Charlo later this year.

Tensions between Tszyu (22-0, 16KO) and Ocampo (35-2, 23KO) intensified at Friday’s official press conference with the cocky Mexican vowing to knock out the unbeaten Sydneysider and gatecrash his Glitter Strip gala party.

Former American Navy SEAL David Goggins is motivating Tim Tszyu

But Tszyu is leaving no stone unturned, drawing inspiration from Goggins as he looks to retain his WBO interim super welterweight world title strap and set-up a Vegas showdown with Charlo.

Goggins is one of the world’s most famous motivational speakers.

The 48-year-old has seven million followers on social media and has morphed from a Navy SEAL to a fitness fanatic and ultra-marathon runner who is famed for his catchcry of Stay Hard.

WATCH: Tim Tszyu versus Carlos Ocampo – order on MainEvent here

That mantra sits perfectly with the laser-like, ruthless focus on Tszyu, who says he can relate to Goggins’ relentless quest for self-betterment in his ultimate mission to bring down division top dog Charlo.

“I feel like I have the same mindset as Goggins,” Tszyu said ahead of Sunday’s showdown with Ocampo.

“I’ve read one of his books and it’s been unbelievable.

“The stuff he does is crazy, he makes me want to run a marathon after reading his book.

“It’s hard to say if I get my mental toughness from my dad (Australian boxing legend Kostya Tszyu).

“Whether you are born with it or brought up with it, I think your attitude reflects the way you were raised.

“It makes you a part of who you are and what you become.

“It has steeled me.

Tim Tszyu shadow boxes ahead of Sunday’s showdown with Mexican Carlos Ocampo.

“Like Goggins, nothing will stop me. You can line up every guy in my division and one by one, I will just bring them down until I get to the top.

“I’m in terminator mode for this fight and Ocampo is now the next in line.”

Ocampo is no Mexican mug.

The 27-year-old has been stopped just once in his 37-fight career — a first-round loss to the great Errol Spence Jr five years ago — and he possesses a lethal left body rip that will test Tszyu’s mid-section.

There is a view Tszyu will destroy Ocampo within three or four rounds. The Mexican agrees the bout won’t go 12 rounds, but says Tszyu will be the man on the canvas.

Goggins (right) is one of the world’s most followed motivational speakers.

“It won’t last very long and it will be a win for me by knockout,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter which Mexicans his father beat, I am Carlos Ocampo and I am a different fighter.

“I came here to Australia with a message and the only thing I am going to do is take his belt back to Mexico.

“It’s going to be a real war.”

Having disposed of American Tony Harrison in March, Tszyu scoffed at suggestions he is taking another by fighting Ocampo with a guaranteed showdown with Charlo slated for September this year.

That all collapses if he suffers a Mexican mauling.

“Every fight is a risk,” he said.

“This will be a tougher fight than Harrison. He is a Mexican and I will have to go into the trenches to beat him.

“The Harrison fight was easy to be honest. I wasn’t tired, I could have done it all again the next day. But this fight will be very physical. My hands have to be ready for a beating. It will be like punching a brick wall.

“I don’t need to talk s***, but the clear message will be sent out on fight night.

“I will put him away in devastating fashion.”

Originally published as Tim Tszyu v Carlos Ocampo: David Goggins driving Aussie’s quest to quash Mexican rival