Zou Shiming's long march into the pro ranks
China's Olympic gold medallist has spent years as an amateur, but the 31-year-old says he's now ready for the big time ... and maybe big money
"You're going to Hollywood!" It sounds like the judges from American Idol congratulating an aspiring singer, but China's golden boy, Zou Shiming, has made it in a whimsical way.
He's training in Tinseltown for his professional debut after getting his "Golden Ticket" in late January by signing a professional contract with veteran promoter Bob Arum.
China's most celebrated boxer is now the star at Wild Card gym in Hollywood, Los Angeles, under the watchful eyes of Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach and he can't wait to step into the ring on April 6 at the Venetian's Cotai Arena in Macau, where "Fists of Gold" are the buzz words for the launch of a highly anticipated pro career.
Zou, 31, is up against unheralded Mexican Eleazar Valenzuela (2-1-2, 1 K0) and has been preparing in the US since February 5.
Having carved out a remarkable amateur career that included gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2012 London Games, plus gold at the world amateur championships in 2005, 2007 and 2011, Zou is ready to perform at a whole new level.
"Professional boxing is my dream. What prompted me to embark on the road to boxing is that in my childhood, I watched Muhammad Ali's performances on television," said Zou.