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November 12, 2016

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Zou eyes title defense, seeks new avenues

NEWLY crowned WBO champion Zou Shiming says his main aim now is to defend his title but he also wants to challenge for championships of other boxing organizations.

The 35-year-old two-time Olympic gold medalist claimed the vacant World Boxing Organization flyweight title — his first professional belt — by beating Kwanpichit Onesongchaigym of Thailand in Las Vegas last week.

“Everybody has different dreams at different stages of life,” Zou told a press conference in Shanghai during which he was named the co-promoter of the domestic boxing tournament League of Fists.

“Now that my dream of becoming a world champion has come true, a new dream starts. To defend the title and challenge opponents of other organizations are part of my future plans. Also, I want to see more compatriots participate in the chase of boxing dreams.”

The League of Fists is jointly organized by American promoter Top Rank and its Chinese partner SECA. It brings together professional boxers from around the country to compete in different weight classes.

Winners take home the WBO China Champion belt and collect WBO points to take part in international bouts.

The third season of the League of Fists kicked off last Friday.

“Compared to several years ago, more people are now attracted to boxing, which is encouraging. What we need to do is to continue to get more people involved,” said Zou.

“The last two seasons of the league produced some young and promising boxers, including Zhu Que, who also fought in Las Vegas. The league is a platform for boxers to start. I want to contribute my effort in promoting boxing in China.”

Zou also revealed that a new boxing club, under his name, as well as a training project for young boxers will be launched soon.

According to SECA, the third season of the League of Fists will become “more international” by including additional foreign boxers.

The rules will also become more demanding for boxers, who will now be eliminated after just one loss.


 

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