Source:
https://scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2113575/if-i-get-knocked-down-ill-get-back-again-just-my-new-commercial-says Hong Kong
If I get knocked down, I’ll get back up again just like my new commercial, says Rex Tso
The ‘Wonder Kid’ says his conditioning and fitness have improved after training harder – and injury-free – for his sold-out clash against Japanese veteran Kono
Rex Tso hits the mitts with Jake Verano during Sunday’s open workout at DEF gym. Photos: Unus Alladin
Rex Tso Sing-yu is hoping his new Nike commercial doesn’t play out in real life as he makes his final preparations for his most glamorous fight against Japanese veteran Kohei Kono this weekend.
The 90-second microfilm, directed by famous Hollywood filmmaker Michael Mann, depicts the “Wonder Kid” getting knocked down and the referee counting down to his potential defeat, only for the Hong Kong phenom to struggle back to his feet to continue the fight.
Watch: Rex Tso talks to the Post about his preparations for Clash of Champions 3
“I hope it doesn’t play out that way with me going down for the count. It certainly could happen but even if it does, I will be up on my feet and fighting again just like in the film,” laughed Tso.
The unbeaten boxer is hoping to continue his winning streak to an incredible 22 fights in Saturday’s sold-out “Clash of Champions 3” at the Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Mann, better known as the director of the 1995 smash-hit Heat starring Robert de Niro and Al Pacino, spent more than 10 hours at AsiaWorld-Expo shooting the “Just Do It” film several weeks ago with Tso the main star in a commercial that also features local high jumper Cecilia Yeung Man-wai.
Rex Tso works out at DEF gym.
Tso said it was an experience working with the award-winning director, who created a scene eerily similar to one of Tso’s real fights.
“It was like a good workout or even a good fight with Michael shooting by my side,” said Tso. “We spent the whole day filming, but it turned out well in the end.”
The 30-year-old southpaw is confident he won’t get floored against the 36-year-old former WBA world champion “Tough Boy” Kono (33-10-1, 14 KOs), saying he completed more than two months training “injury free for the first time in a long time”.
Rex Tso takes a breather during training at DEF gym
“When I fought my last fight against [Japan’s Hirofumi Mukai in March] I was carrying all sorts of injuries. But all my injuries have healed and I was able to put in more effort in my training without being too conscious of the injuries.
“That’s why I think my fitness and conditioning have improved from last time out,” said Tso, who is 21-0-0 with 13 knockouts.
Rex Tso shadow boxes during his workout.
Before taking on Mukai, which he won in an eighth-round knockout, the Hong Kong star was nursing an injury to the bridge of his nose, an injured left wrist and a badly bruised rib sustained during training in the Philippines.
“Thankfully, I didn’t suffer any injuries during my training for Kono and I was able to push myself a bit more, but at the same time it was harder and more strenuous.
“I was going all out. Ross [Eathorne] my conditioning coach said I have improved my fitness, too,” he said.
Kohei Kono (left)) is expected to be Rex Tso’s toughest fight.
“Kono will present a big problem. He’s more experienced. He’s six years older, but he’s had more battles than me and he has had more fights going the distance over 12 rounds.
“I really don’t know how the fight will pan out. Maybe, the fight will go the distance. It will be tough whatever happens,” said Tso of the 12-round contest for the WBO international super flyweight title.
Hong Kong-based British boxer Tom Taw works out.
Tso’s trainer and promoter, Jay Lau Chi-yuen, said fans could expect to see a more “patient” Tso, who will bide his time before springing into action when the opportunity comes knocking.
“This time, his preparations are much better than last time. The improvement and progress he has made are obvious,” Lau said.
“He’s stronger and faster. The game plan now is for Rex to keep his distance from Kono. Sometimes that goes out the window as Rex likes to fight toe-to-toe.
“This time he’s going to go in there trying to control the fight. All his sparring partners have been helping him.
Rex Tao hits the mitts with trainer Jake Verano for his latest fight.
“I think Rex will be really patient this time because Kono knows Rex is very fast and strong but he’s an easy target. I’ve told him about that,” Lau said.
“Kono definitely has the power to knock out Rex. Rex should be really careful about that. During sparring, Rex always kept his hands up and kept a good distance so he has been mindful of this.”
Organisers have announced that tickets for Clash of Champions 3 have been completely sold out and another capacity crowd of 8,000 will be on hand to watch Tso’s latest fight as he eyes a future world title fight.
Sandy Lam trains at DEF gym. She will make her debut in Clash of Champions 3 on Saturday.