By Unus Alladin
Promoter Bob Arum is said to be impressed by the Hong Kong pro fighter's improvement
Unbeaten Hong Kong boxer Rex Tso Sing-yu is being lined up to sign with one of the world's biggest fight promoters.
A day after winning his 11th straight professional bout against hopelessly outclassed Thai boxer Susu Sithjadeang in Sunday's undercard for The Clash in Cotai, the wonder kid appears likely to be snapped up by Top Rank, renowned promoter Bob Arum's company.
"Nothing has been finalised and we're in the initial talks to have Rex sign with Top Rank," said Tso's trainer, Jay Lau Chi-yuen.
"I have already talked to Bob Arum and he was very impressed by Rex and his victory over Susu. Arum approached us and wants Rex to sign a four-fight deal in Macau for 2014. If he fights well, they will give him another four-fight deal," he said.
"We haven't agreed on anything and financial terms were not disclosed. Arum said he would e-mail me with details soon and he hopes to work out an agreement with our team."
Tso said it would be a "huge honour" if he signed with Top Rank, the premier boxing organisation, which Arum founded in the 1960s. Top Rank has two Chinese boxers - two-time Olympic champion Zou Shiming and rising Yang Lianhui - in its stable.
Zou and Yang won their bouts in The Clash in Cotai, and it is understood Top Rank are looking to expand their stable to include more Chinese boxers.
"I really don't know what the contract will call for, and whether Rex would need to be based in Los Angeles like Zou and Yang. But it's a great honour to be approached by the world's biggest boxing promoter. It's something Rex deserves and it will definitely boost his career," said Lau. "Bob Arum told me he was impressed by how much Rex had improved since his last fight in July [Fists of Gold II].
"I think they want to sign more Chinese boxers so they can help promote boxing in this part of the world, especially China."
Lau knew Tso's rapid rise to fame would catch the eye of Top Rank, who co-promoted last Sunday's epic duel between Philippine icon Manny Pacquiao and Mexican-American fighter Brandon Rios.
If Tso signs with Top Rank, it would be a groundbreaking moment for a Hong Kong athlete. He has already signed a deal with sports company Nike and has other endorsements.
It is understood that the super flyweight earned US$18,000 for his fight on Sunday.
Tso, who is 11-0-0 with seven knockouts, said he would listen to Lau's advice and would think long and hard before joining the stable.