By Hisao Adachi

The super flyweight champion of the (World Boxing Association), Kohei Kono (31-8-1, 13KOs, is likely to defend his championship against on March date in China against undefeated southpaw and world ranked WBA #11 Rex Tso (18-0, 11KOs). The information was revealed by Kono's manager Hitoshi Watanabe of the Watanabe Boxing Gym in Tokyo.

Watanabe say the negotiations are in the final stage and they could by fully worked out within the next few weeks. Kono strongly mentioned that he is already prepared to fight with Tso in China. The champion has started watching his weight, doing light training and ensuring that he arrives in top form for what would be his third defense.

Kono's last fight was held in Chicago last October, where he pulled off a twelve round unanimous decision win over former three division champion Koki Kameda, who retired from boxing following the loss.

The bout with Kameda made history as it marked the first time ever where two Japanese fighters where colliding for a world title outside of Japan.

Tso has been coming along as a fighter with the help of Hall of Fame coach Freddie Roach, but he's never faced anyone with the skills or the experience of Kono. Tso's popularity has been growing in China and his career has been assisted by Las Vegas based promotional companu Top Rank, who showcased the rising contender on several of their shows in the country.