Hall of Famer Miguel Diaz to boost Rex Tso's shot at world boxing title

Rex Tso Sing-yu is being lined up with Hall of Famer Miguel Diaz for eight weeks' training in Las Vegas as part of the Wonder Kid's intensive build-up for a shot at the world super flyweight title in July.

Japan's Kohei Kono will put his World Boxing Association (WBA) belt on the line against Tso at the Cotai Arena in Macau on July 18 and the Tso camp will do "everything possible" to get the 27-year-old Hong Kong star in tip-top condition for the fight of his life.

Argentinian Diaz, who has worked in Tso's corner for four of his last fights, mainly as a cutman, invited the Wonder Kid to train in Las Vegas, where he will enjoy top-notch training facilities and some of the best sparring partners available in America.

The cost of sending Tso and five other members of his training camp to the US will not come cheap. Jay Lau Chi-yuen, who is Tso's head trainer and manager, estimated it would cost US$100,000 for the eight-week stint, but said they were talking to a number of potential sponsors to make it happen.

"Rex has four months to prepare for the fight. We want to improve Rex's strategy and bring him to the next level," said Lau.

Diaz, who once worked in the corner of Floyd Mayweather Jnr and as a cutman for Manny Pacquiao, has trained a number of world champions, most notably the now retired Erik Morales - the first Mexican to win world titles in four weight divisions.

"Miguel is a super legend in the sport and there's a big chance we will join forces with him," said Lau.

"Miguel likes Rex a lot and enjoys working with him. In fact, we have had a number of invitations from other trainers, but we are most likely to stick with Diaz. The plan is to fly Rex to Las Vegas in May, where he will stay for two months, returning here in early July."