Matt Clark recaps Hore vs. Tso, Hong Kong experience

 
AUSTRALIAN pair Brad Hore and Kerry Hope left the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center without a win, but were far from disgraced after putting in credible performances.

 
Hore, 33, gave his undefeated and world rated opponent Rex Tso (now 18-0, 11 KOs) all he could handle for the best part of six rounds, before being floored three times in the seventh round.

 
With the WBC open scoring system in place, the vocal and passionate home crowd were given an indication of how close the fight was, as the title bout was adjudged a draw by all three judges (38-38) after four rounds.

 
“It was a brilliant performance from Brad,” said Clark in an interview with Aus-Boxing.

 
“He went into the lion’s den and really dished it up to Rex,”

 
“He silenced the crowd and had Rex confused. To Rex’s credit he was able to grind Brad down and got the win,”

 
With the win, Tso, 28, picked up the vacant WBC Asian Boxing Council bauble, to add to his collection of WBA and WBO affiliated titles.

 
Although his charge did not score the major upset, Clark is optimistic about the future of Hore (now 5-2), who will most likely drop down to flyweight for future title challenges.

 
“It was a fantastic experience, Jay Lau and his team treated us very well,” added Clark. “It was an incredible atmosphere, probably the loudest crowd I’ve ever heard.”

 
“There’s a good chance that Brad will fight at flyweight from here on,”

 
“He gave away some size but he certainly gave Rex Tso all he could handle.”

 
In the nights other notable result, world rated middleweight Kerry Hope was on the end of a questionable verdict – seemingly scoring a wide points win – only to be given a split draw against Petchsuriya Singwancha.

 
Thai judges Visuth Yingaupagarn and Pongpan Rattanasutorn scored the fight 115-113 in favour of Singwancha and an equally questionable draw at 114-114.

 
“All I can say is that it was the worst decision I’ve ever seen,” exclaimed Clark. “Kerry boxed well despite a heavy chest infection – I had it scored 118-110 – it wasn’t even close,”

 
“We will be launching a protest to the WBC in relation to the horrendous scoring.”

 
 
Photo: Getty Images