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June 11, 2016

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Zou braced for US debut

ZOU Shiming is not the main attraction for US boxing fans on today’s Madison Square Garden theater card that includes rising star Vasyl Lomachenko. HBO won’t even show Zou’s fight.

Tens of millions of Chinese fans, however, will be watching live as the three-time Olympic medalist makes his United States debut, and officials hope he opens the door for pro boxing to reach that enormous market.

Training on Tuesday at Mendez Boxing in Manhattan, Zou worked the mitts with trainer Freddie Roach — already famous in Asia for his work with Filipino Manny Pacquiao.

Donning a blue NBA headband, neon green and gray shirt and yellow and black shorts with “Zou” emblazoned down both sides, the 35-year-old worked up a sweat as he prepared to fight in what he calls “the palace hall of professional boxers”.

Cracking a smile during breaks, Zou said he only dreamed of fighting at the Garden, a place where his idol, Muhammad Ali, fought as well.

“I will do my best to show myself and also for Muhammad Ali,” Zou said. “I will win this fight and also use his butterflies moving style.”

Of course, Ali was usually the headliner in the big arena. Zou will be on the undercard in the theater adjacent to the Garden.

Zou won a bronze and two gold medals at the last three Olympics. He won his first six pro fights, building momentum that many fans thought would lead to big matches in Las Vegas and New York. But a March 2015 loss to Amnat Ruenroeng of Thailand stalled his progress.

The flyweight will try to get back on track against Hungarian Jozsef Ajtai.

“He’s full of talent and he is a great amateur boxer,” Roach said. “He has a great amateur style. I’m just trying to get him to convert over to more of a pro style.”




 

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