Hong Kong fighter’s new-found fame boosts his professional entourage outside the ring, with a nutritionist, physiotherapist and acupuncturist
For the first time in his career, Hong Kong’s unbeaten fighter Rex Tso Sing-yu will receive professional support outside the ring as he moves closer to a possible world title fight next year.
The 27-year-old, who is preparing for his latest fight on the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao v Chris Algieri Clash in Cotai II on November 23, has moved into a better and bigger gym in Sheung Wan, where he has recruited a physiotherapist, an acupuncturist and a nutritionist to help him stay in tip-top shape.
The “Wonder Kid’s” new-found fame has allowed him to draw a bigger income and he is likely to spend less time in the Philippines – where he normally trains – since his new gym can afford sparring partners to help keep him on his toes.
“It’s a happier environment for me to train in Hong Kong now that DEF boxing gym has moved to a much bigger facility in Sheung Wan. There’s nothing better than training in Hong Kong and being close to my family. Before I was training in the Philippines all the time, and it sometimes gets lonely,” said the southpaw (14-0-0, 9 KOs).
Tso has been lined up to face Japan’s Kenta Okumura (12-2-1, 3 KOs) from Kumamoto in his next fight in Macau in an eight-round super flyweight division contest.
Bob Arum, chief executive and chairman of promoters Top Rank, said Tso would probably fight an “eliminator” bout in February next year and, if he wins that, he would earn his world title shot in May.
“Rex is also on the card in November. If Rex is successful, we hope to bring him back in February, fighting a title eliminator. By May, we hope to have him fighting for a world title. That’s the plan,” said Arum.
Okumura, 26, is also a southpaw and although not considered a heavy hitter, he could present a danger to the Wonder Kid, according to Tso’s trainer and manager Jay Lau Chi-yuen.
“Rex rarely fights another southpaw. Okumura throws a lot of punches and like Rex prefers to box instead of trying to win the fight by knockout. Rex is much taller than his Japanese opponent and will use his longer reach to his advantage,” said Lau.
“We are glad Rex has been given professional support. He will not suffer as much when it comes to the weigh-in. With the help of a nutritionist, Rex’s weight has gone down to 124 or 125 pounds, instead of 130, so he will have an easier time bringing his weight down to 115 for the weigh-in,” said Lau.
“Since moving into a much bigger gym, we can solve the problem with sparring partners because we can invite them to Hong Kong instead of Rex going to the Philippines. This new arrangement should be better for Rex because he will be happier training in Hong Kong.
“His physio will help him with any niggly ankle or calf injuries he might have. That’s a great help because he wasn’t getting proper medical attention in the Philippines,” he added.
Tso is hoping to spar with Philippine superstar Pacquiao in Hong Kong on Monday.
