Source:
https://scmp.com/sport/boxing/article/1973406/chinese-boxing-star-zou-shiming-romps-victory-over-jozsef-atjai-us
Sport/ Boxing

Chinese boxing star Zou Shiming romps to victory over Jozsef Atjai in US debut at Madison Square Garden

Associated Press
Associated Press

Updated: 6:40pm, 12 Jun, 2016

Why you can trust SCMP
Zou Shiming celebrates his unanimous decision over Jozsef Ajtai. Photo: AFP

Chinese star Zou Shiming had no trouble with his teenage opponent, outclassing Jozsef Atjai of Hungary on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden in New York to set up some bigger flyweight fights.

The two-time Olympic gold medallist and three-time world champion was in such control through the 10 rounds that he was smirking and sticking out his chin at his opponent in the later stages. One of China’s most popular athletes – an audience of perhaps 20 million was expected to watch the fight on TV on the mainland – the 35-year-old Zou was making his US debut.

Zou Shiming is hit by a left from Jozsef Ajtai. Photo: AFP
Zou Shiming is hit by a left from Jozsef Ajtai. Photo: AFP
He beat Atjai 100-89 on all three cards to improve his record to 8-1 as a pro. That includes a loss in his only world title attempt, to Annat Ruenroeng for the IBF flyweight crown in March 2015.

Atjai (15-3) didn’t look like a man in his fourth fight this year. He had plenty of energy, but applied it to running, not boxing. “My competitor’s objective was to stand to the last minute of the fight,” Zou said. “He was afraid of the competition.”