Hong Kong boxer Rex Tso receives eight stitches on forehead after losing amateur fight in Shanghai
- The boxer known as the ‘Wonder Kid’ suffers his first defeat in more than eight years
- Tso taken out of ring on stretcher but he’s back in training and determined to qualify for next year’s Tokyo Olympic Games
Former world title contender Rex Tso Sing-yu has revealed that he needed eight stitches to close a gaping head wound suffered during an amateur boxing tournament in Shanghai recently.
Eight months after making the drastic decision to turn amateur after becoming one of the stand-outs in the super flyweight professional division, the 31-year-old Tso’s hopes of qualifying for next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo have suffered a blow – but he’s determined to get back on track.
Tso said on social media that he had to be taken out of the ring in a stretcher after suffering a clash of heads against his opponent during the second round of his contest in Shanghai.
Doctors inspected his wound and declared the fight over with Tso losing his first bout in more than eight years. The southpaw had not been defeated since he turned professional in 2011, having compiled a record of 22-0-0 with 13 KOs.
“On June 6 in Shanghai I got injured during a bout,” Tso said on his Facebook page.
“I wanted to feel the pace and rhythm of amateur boxing so I entered the tournament, which is not an official Olympic qualifying event,” the former WBO No 1 ranked super flyweight (115 pounds) boxer added.
“Unfortunately, there was a clash of heads in the second round and blood was gushing out. The ringside doctor inspected the wound and decided to stop the bout immediately.
“For the first time in my life I was taken to hospital in an ambulance. I went to hospital and received eight stitches.
“After one week, the stitches came off and I was back training after doctors gave me the green light. This week, I will travel to Guangzhou for more training. I will train harder.”
Tso’s injury was the latest setback to the one-time world title contender who has had his fair share of injuries over the years.
That injury, following an accidental headbutt, required more than a year’s rest. The boxer known as the “Wonder Kid” then decided to return to the amateur ranks in November 2018.
“I’m not scared of losing,” said Tso. “I’m going to equip myself and train harder. Whatever difficulties I will face, I will overcome.
“It’s not easy returning to amateur boxing. I need to learn and improve. I have a lot of room for improvement.”
