Brad Hore talks Rex Tso fight: “I’m in the best shape of my life”

 
BRAD Hore will look to break Australia’s less than impressive record in title fights abroad when he challenges the highly regarded Rex Tso in Hong Kong on Saturday night.

 
The Caloundra-based Hore, who has had a sporadic journey thus far as a professional will step into the ring at the Hong Kong Convention Center as a tremendous underdog, given the impressive pedigree of local favourite Tso.

 
“I think it’s a great opportunity to progress my career,” said Hore in an interview with Aus-Boxing.

 
“I know Rex is a well respected boxer in Hong Kong but I don’t believe he’s fought anyone with my experience,”

 
“It should be a very interesting fight,”

 
Tso, 28, is a unified regional titleholder at super flyweight, having held the WBA International, WBO Asia Pacific and WBC Asia Continental baubles and is regarded as one of the hottest tickets in the Asia Pacific region.

 
And while the titles that he has held sound like alphabet soup on paper – make no mistake – Tso can fight.

 
In typically professional fashion, Hore (5-1) had no qualms about making the short plane trip north for the biggest fight of his professional career, having travelled lengthier journeys as an established amateur.

@HoreBrad on the pads with @Theboxingshop this afternoon in Hong Kong. @ausboxing @Kieza_cmail @neil_d_thewest pic.twitter.com/u7l7Y2xAFv

— Matt Clark (@MattClarkBoxing) August 26, 2015

 
“It’s great to be back on the road with the team,” continued Hore. “It brings back lots of memories from my amateur days,”

 
“We’ve only been in Hong Kong for a short while but we are playing jokes on each other, having a laugh,”

 
“I’m here with Kerry Hope and Kane Cassells who both fight on Saturday night, Gareth Williams our trainer, Peter Blackadder our assistant and Matt Clark our manager,”

 
At 33, many would see this opportunity as a fleeting chance for the pocket-sized Hore to break into the world ratings. When probed on his future and motivation to keep fighting, a jovial Hore was eager to prove his worth.

 
“This isn’t my last fight, no matter what happens on Saturday,” added Hore. “I’m in the best shape of my life, I could probably make flyweight if I wanted,”

 
“I’m really enjoying my boxing and being around my team. While I’m enjoying it, I’m going to keep boxing.”

 
Given the height and reach advantage that Tso (17-0, 10 KOs) will have on the night, Hore has had to work with much larger fighters for this camp. This is something that Hore believes will work in his favour.

 
“I’ve sparred with bigger guys for this camp and have changed a few things in my preparation,” explained Hore. “I added boot camp where I trained for fitness three mornings a week on top of all my regular training,”

 
“I have done plenty of rounds with bigger, stronger boxers.”

 
The connotations that come with being an underdog resonate with the softy spoken Hore. He has a point to prove and on Saturday night, he plans on being crowned a humble champion.

 
“It’s an honour to compete for such a prestigious belt against such a tough opponent,” said Hore in closing.

 
“Walking away with the win on Saturday night will open up a lot of doors for myself, my team and for Australian boxing too,”

 
 
Photo: DEF Boxing Gym