Flyweight Zou Shiming’s win in a gritty 10-round bout over Colombia’s Luis de la Rosa on Saturday night has boosted the Chinese boxer’s determination to go for a shot at the world title.
Zou, who claimed the vacant WBO international flyweight title with the win, fought all rounds of his first ever 10-round match against Colombian veteran De La Rosa, in a show of increasing confidence and competence.
The bout was evenly matched until Zou discovered some extra aggression against veteran De La Rosa, who sustained an injury above his left eye at Macau’s glittering Venetian casino resort.
The crowd went wild, chanting: “Go Zou Shiming, go,” as both fighters unleashed punches on each other for the all-out final round.
However, Zou came out on top when the match went to the scorecards, where all three judges unanimously declared him the winner.
The victory improved the undefeated 33-year-old’s record to 5-0 with one knockout, further allaying his critics following some unconvincing performances after making the leap from amateur bouts.
“I’m very confident, I’m ready for the world title,” the two-time Olympic champion replied in response to a question over whether he now felt prepared to go for the top spot.
“I have been preparing for a world title ever since day one. I think after tonight’s fight, I’m more confident,” he said at a press conference after the victory.
“After going through 10 rounds, I’m more confident to go for the 12 round,” the Chinese boxer said.
“My opponent, who was a great opponent, he did very well today, so all of that makes this a more meaningful victory,” Zou added.
Earlier in the evening, Cuba’s Guillermo Rigondeux remained undefeated after knocking out Thailand’s Sod Looknongyangtoy in just 1 minute, 44 seconds of the opening round with a flurry of punches.
The victory means Rigondeux has successfully retained his WBA and WBO super bantamweight title.
The 33-year-old Rigondeux, also an Olympic gold medalist, now boasts 14-0 with nine knockouts.
Mexico’s unbeaten southpaw, Gilberto Ramirez, who made his debut on the international stage, retained total control of his fight and knocked out Australia’s Junior Talipeau in the opening round.
Ramirez was able to retain the WBO International super middleweight and North American Boxing Federation super middleweight titles.
Zou is being lined up to challenge IBF world champion Amnat Ruenroeng of Thailand in Macau in November, a fight which should attract huge interest in China’s largely untapped market.
Zou’s late plunge into the pro ranks follows an amateur career in which he became China’s first Olympic boxing medalist, first world amateur champion and first Olympic champion.
The exploits made him a household name in China, where boxing was banned under former Chinese leader Mao Zedong, and where his fledgling professional career has been closely followed.
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