Hong Kong’s most successful professional boxer, Rex Tso, has officially announced his return to the ring after an 8-year hiatus! The former World Boxing Organization (WBO) International Super Flyweight Champion has just signed a one-year, three-fight contract with the Philippine boxing promotion Elorde UKC Promotions. His first match is set to take place on August 24 in Manila, kicking off his comeback with a six-round event. Now at 38 years old, Tso has set a clear goal—to become the first boxer from Hong Kong to challenge for a world championship belt.
Looking back on Rex’s professional boxing career, it stands as a legend in Hong Kong sports. In 2017, he ranked first in the WBO super flyweight world rankings and ended the year by defeating Japanese star Kōno Kōhei, achieving an astonishing undefeated record of 22 fights with 13 knockouts. However, after suffering an injury to his left eye that affected his vision, the renowned Wonder Kid announced a temporary retirement from the professional ring in 2018, shifting his focus to amateur boxing with a clear target: the Tokyo Olympics. Although he ultimately missed qualifying for the Olympics, Rex still represented Hong Kong in both the National Games and the Hangzhou Asian Games. Reflecting on this experience, Rex shared at a press conference: From 2018 to 2024, I focused on challenging myself in international amateur boxing, with the Olympic Games as my goal. Although I may not step onto the Olympic stage, I’m already excited and grateful to represent Hong Kong in competitions abroad..
Cao Xingru’s comeback turning point came when he met international boxing promoter Cucuy Elorde. This seasoned industry insider believes that Rex is at the golden twilight of his professional career and should seize the opportunity to challenge the world boxing stage. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Cucuy and Hong Kong boxing manager Lennon, Rex’s partnership with Elorde UKC Promotions was successfully established. Rex stated: I ask myself, ‘Do I want to continue competing?’ If the answer is yes, then it’s time to take action! He admitted that his decision to return to the professional boxing arena was straightforward and pure. He also mentioned that the age limit in amateur competitions was one of the factors considered: The age limit for amateur competitions is 40, which means I’ll no longer be able to compete in two years. Given that, I should seize the moment and keep pursuing my dreams on the professional stage..
According to the regulations of the Philippine Boxing Management Board (Games and Amusements Board), due to Cao Xingru’s long absence from professional matches, his comeback fight will be held in a six-round format, with his opponent to be announced later. This signing signifies that Rex aims to complete three professional bouts within a year, fully committing to climbing the world rankings and paving the way to challenge for the world championship belt.
The event in Manila on August 24 will mark a historic night for boxing in Hong Kong. Not only will it feature the comeback fight of Chao Hing-ju, but 24-year-old Hong Kong boxing prospect Lokmond Yin will also take to the ring for his fifth professional bout. With an impressive record of 4 wins (3 by knockout), Lokmond is seen as the next leading figure in Hong Kong boxing. The clash of these two fighters from different generations is expected to draw the attention of boxing fans across the city.
The return of Cao Xingru is not just a continuation of personal dreams, but also injects new energy into Hong Kong boxing. With his collaboration with the new generation of boxers like Lokmond as they take on international stages, Hong Kong boxing is poised to reach new heights on the world stage.
