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Rex Tso trains for his bout with Michael Enriquez. Photos: Unus Alladin

Hong Kong's Rex Tso one win away from WBA super flyweight world title shot, says Top Rank's Bob Arum

Top Rank's Bob Arum says the Hong Kong star can face the WBA super flyweight champion from Japan if he defeats Enriquez in Macau

Rex Tso

Hong Kong star Rex Tso Sing-yu celebrated his two-year deal with Top Rank with famed promoter Bob Arum promising a world title shot if he wins his bout on the undercard of Saturday night's Showdown at Sands.

After signing with one of the world's leading promoters for five fights over the next two years, the 27-year-old "Wonder Kid" was being lined up to face Japan's Kohei Kono, the reigning WBA (World Boxing Association) super flyweight champion, at the Cotai Arena in July.

"If he wins this fight he'll be fighting for the world WBA title against the Japanese boy, Kono [30-8-1, 13 KOs]," said Arum, guaranteeing a historic first world title shot for a Hong Kong fighter.

Rex has developed tremendously in the years since he has been fighting here in Macau. We think he can be a real star
Bob Arum

Tso is looking to stretch his unbeaten run to 16 fights when he faces Filipino Michael Enriquez for the vacant WBA (World Boxing Association) international super flyweight title, which is one tier below world title status.

Arum, the Top Rank founder and chief executice, said Tso would be a "good addition" to the 50-strong stable as his company's goal was to "develop as many Chinese stars as it could".

The contract means Top Rank will co-promote five fights with Tso's promotional company, DEF Promotions.

Hong Kong boxer Rex Tso warms up before a public workout at the Venetian Macao ahead of his bout on Saturday.

The deal could prove lucrative for Tso, who could rake in more than HK$3 million if he stays undefeated over his next five fights.

"Rex has developed tremendously in the years since he has been fighting here in Macau," Arum said. "We think he can be a real star.

"There are a lot of fights on the mainland and hopefully we will have a group of Chinese fighters fighting there. Rex could also fight in the United States, too," said Arum.

Arum did not give much away about the deal, but said: "As with Zou Shiming [China's two-time Olympic gold medallist fighting on the main card], every fight he made more money, which is the way it should be. As Rex progresses and builds his reputation as a champion, the purses will go up."

Tso will make US$50,000 for fighting Enriquez, with bigger pay days in excess of US$100,000 if he challenges for the world title and even more if he becomes world champion.

"Rex needs to win his fight on Saturday and as for his training for the world title fight, he will have very good people around him. They will handle the type of training they feel he needs," said Arum.

Tso will remain in Hong Kong, but he could also train in the United States.

"I never thought the day would come that I would become a Top Rank fighter, but the day has arrived and I am really happy," said Tso.

Rex Tso has a bit of fun with trainer Jake Verano during a public workout.

"My future is secured for the next two years. It makes me want to work harder and train harder to achieve my goals. Other Hong Kong athletes can see that they too can sign with a top company like Top Rank if they work hard.

"As for this fight against Enriquez, I am in the best shape of my life. I am only one pound overweight at the moment and I am going to easily make weight tomorrow. My speed and technique have improved a lot since I returned to training."

Tso's manager, Jay Lau Chi-yuen, said the contract gave them the option to organise fights in Hong Kong.

"Top Rank knows Rex is a ticket seller in Macau and they wanted to secure him. They made a deal, which we could not refuse. We are really happy with the contract," said Lau.

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: Rex Tso one win from world title shot
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