MACAU – For his boyish appearance and calm demeanor, 27-year-old Rex Tso looks more like an altar boy than a professional boxer.
But behind the meekness and easy-going attitude hides a demon of a fighter.
The Hong Kong-born Tso, a rising star expected to be the next big thing in Asian boxing, continues his quest for recognition at the Cotai Arena of The Venetian Macao in this bustling Asian gambling capital.
Tso faces Indonesia’s Espinos Sabu in the undercard of Manny Pacquiao’s fight with Chris Algieri on Sunday, the second time he’ll be part of the opening act for the Filipino icon.
The soft-spoken boxer couldn't hide his excitement once again.
“It's an honor,” Tso told Philstar.com through an interpreter, grateful for another opportunity to show his wares in the undercard of a Pacquiao fight.
Wearing a blue sports jacket, Tso went on to detail how he sees Pacquiao as an inspiration, admitting he sometimes tries to adapt the fighting congressman’s style.
“He's actually one of my idols, and I every time I watch fight, I learn a something new," said Tso, who is undefeated in 14 bouts (with 9 knockouts).
A regular fixture at Cotai Arena, he has fought his last six bouts at the venue, including during Pacquiao’s clash with Brandon Rios in 2013 and the Nonito Donaire-Simpiwe Vetyeka featherweight title fight last May.
But it was his fight against Thai Ratchasak Kokietgym in the Donaire card that proved to be the toughest of his career. Tso rose from two knockdowns in the third round and fought through a broken nose and knuckle to win a decision.
Like his Filipino idol, Tso plans to impress fans on Sunday as he continues his growth as the region’s potential star.
“Komusta? Sa-la-mat!” he said as the brief chat ended, aware that his interviewer was from the Philippines.
Editor's note: Philstar.com's special coverage of the Manny Pacquiao and Chris Algieri fight is made possible by Cebu Pacific Air, why every Juan flies.