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Tokyo or bust: Rex Tso will fight for WBA title in December against Kohei Kono, say connections

But there are a lot of ‘ifs and buts’ – the Japanese veteran needs to defend his WBA belt on August 31 for Hong Kong’s ‘Wonder Kid’ to have the chance to get a shot at glory

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Rex Tso was last in action in May when he easily defeated South Korea’s Young Gil-bae. Photo: Sam Tsang

The camp of Rex Tso Sing-yu has thrown caution to the wind by announcing the “Wonder Kid” will fight for the world title in December away from home against WBA super flyweight champion Kohei Kono – if everything falls in his favour.

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Tso has been itching to fight the 35-year-old Japanese veteran for some time and could finally earn his date with destiny in a situation that has many “ifs and buts” but could actually happen on New Year’s Eve in Tokyo.

WATCH: Rex Tso scores his 19th straight victory

Tso’s trainer and manager, Jay Lau Chi-yuen, revealed they had the world title bout “all sewn up” for September this year but the WBA (World Boxing Association) spoiled their plans when they stepped in and forced Kono to fight a mandatory bout against Panama’s Luis Concepcion in Tokyo on August 31.

The Tso team, comprising Tso, Lau and conditioning coach Jake Verano, will travel to Tokyo to “cheer” on Kono, hoping the Japanese champion will retain his world title so they can quickly iron out a contract to fight him in December.

Raymond Poon, Rex Tso and Jay Lau pose for photos at DEF Boxing Gym to promote the “Battle of Victors” on October 8. Photo: Unus Alladin
Raymond Poon, Rex Tso and Jay Lau pose for photos at DEF Boxing Gym to promote the “Battle of Victors” on October 8. Photo: Unus Alladin
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“As soon as Kono wins his fight against Concepcion, we are going to present our contract to Kono in front of the Japanese media and make him sign it,” said Lau.

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