Boxing legend Michael Buffer slams Tim Tszyu vs Carlos Ocampo fight organisers for ripping off fans

Iconic ring announcer Michael Buffer is a big fan of Tim Tszyu but he doesn’t rate the organisers of the Aussie’s bout with Carlos Ocampo, slamming them for short-changing fans by obstructing their view of the action with very thick ropes around the ring. 

Tszyu retained his WBO interim super-welterweight title by stopping the Mexican in just 77 seconds in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it performance at the Gold Coast Convention Centre.

His dominant display was a chilling warning to undisputed world champion Jermell Charlo, whom he should fight before October 1 for the WBA, WBC, WBO and IBF belts.

Tszyu’s performance drew praise from all over the boxing world, including legendary ring announcer Buffer – the voice behind the famous boxing catchphrase, ‘Let’s get ready to rumble!’

‘Young Tszyu is looking like prime Dad Tszyu!’ tweeted Buffer after the event.

Iconic ring announcer Michael Buffer has slammed organisers of Sunday’s Tszyu vs Ocampo fight  for the thickness of the ring ropes used

Buffer says the size of the ring ropes have been ‘ridiculous for years’, but Sunday’s event was a ‘disgrace’ to the fans and judges

However, he wasn’t impressed with the way the ring was set up for the event, with sponsors’ logos emblazoned on the ropes.

‘By the way, the thickness in the ring ropes is getting out of hand,’ he wrote.

‘It’s been ridiculous for years but this event is just a disgrace to the fans [view] in their seats and even for the judges at ringside!’

It’s not the first time Buffer has blasted the organisers of a Tszyu fight, either.

When the Sydneysider took on American Tony Harrison in March, Buffer shared an image from the fight and compared it to an shot from 1982 when Larry Holmes fought Gerry Cooney.

Buffer tweeted: ‘Remember when fans could sit at ringside or lower level seats and actually see the action in the ring? This is now a disgrace! Take a look at 40 yrs ago and now!’

He added later: ‘Look at the super wide ring ropes to accommodate advertising & promotion!’

Many fight fans backed Buffer’s take, saying the thick ropes impact the viewers’ ability to see the action.

Buffer took aim at organisers with a similar complaint when Tszyu fought Tony Harrison

‘Agreed, sir! The seats at ringside and the floor seats have to have trouble seeing much with those thicker ropes,’ replied one.

‘Advertising literally getting in the way of the fans ability to appreciate the sport,’ said another.

‘Absolutely my friend. Can’t imagine some of those high dollars/ high rollers haven’t complained enough to make the change back,’ said a third.

Meanwhile, Aussie boxing great Jeff Fenech said on Main Event that Tszyu had been ‘outstanding’ in his demolition of Ocampo.

And former world champion Shawn Porter believes such was the confidence displayed by Tszyu that the Australian must be considered the favourite against Charlo.

‘That’s the key word right there – confidence. He’s on physically,’ he said on Main Event.

Buffer compared ropes used in Tszyu’s fight with Harrison to a famous heavyweight bout from 40 years ago

‘He’s growing in terms of his experience and in his mentality in the ring.

‘Knowing what you’re seeing and taking control where you can. Now his confidence is growing.

‘This is a big problem for Charlo. Look at all this momentum on the side of Tim Tszyu.

‘Everything’s on Tim’s side to win this fight.

‘I even guarantee that even from a standpoint of bookies, if bookies don’t put Tim as the favourite, they’re just favouring Charlo.

‘Tim Tszyu is now the favourite to win and become undisputed.’