From school dropout to Hong Kong hero: it’s all down to hard work, says boxer Rex Tso
Fighter says he hopes to inspire other young people and praises financial secretary John Tsang for his support
Boxer Rex Tso Sing-yu may be known as the “Wonder Kid” today, but just five years ago his calling card on the amateur circuit was the less flattering “burst tyre”, due to his poor conditioning.
Speaking in a radio interview on Sunday, the 28-year-old fighter gave a candid recollection of the long winding road from Form Four dropout to Hong Kong hero.
The southpaw recently chalked up his 19th consecutive win, against South Korean Young Gil-bae, basking in glory before a hometown crowd of big name fans including actor Daniel Wu and Financial Secretary John Tsang Chun-wah.
“Back then I was known for my poor fitness and my nickname was ‘Burst Tyre Yu’,” said Tso. “[In competition] I would run out of air after the first round like a burst car tyre ... I was a bit lazy.”
But rigorous training and an iron will to succeed landed him his first professional bout in 2011 against a mainland contender, which he won on points.
In front of a small crowd of 300 – his latest fight had a turnout of more than 3,000 – Tso said: “I never had so many people approve of me.”
Tso admitted that his early days as a professional fighter were tough as money was short and, at times, non-existent. “You are paid based on your prominence.”
Tso hoped his story would inspire young people and spur more local interest in boxing.
Speaking about the finance chief’s visits to his fights and training camps, Tso said Tsang “really understood athletes” and was “supportive”.
All eyes will now be on whether Tso takes a shot at a world title this year. Tso reiterated his interest in taking on Japanese fighter Kohei Kono, the reigning WBA super flyweight champion.
“I really hope I can challenge [Kono], the champion in my weight class.”
