China's Zou Shiming to fight Thai rival for world flyweight boxing title
Chinese boxer beat Amnat Ruenroeng in two of their three bouts as amateurs
Zou, the two-time Olympic champion who turned pro in January last year, will renew his rivalry with the Thai, whom he beat in two out of three meetings as an amateur, including a semi-final victory at their last encounter on his way to gold at the 2010 Asian Games.
Now that he's a world champion, he's definitely getting stronger, but I'm improving as well
"When we were fighting as amateurs, I think we were at the same level, in terms of strength," said Zou.
"Now that he's a world champion, he's definitely getting stronger, but I'm improving as well. One thing for sure is that the fight will be absolutely captivating," said the 33-year-old Zou.
Amnat (14-0, 5 KOs), who won the IBF crown in January, started his amateur trilogy against Zou by winning the first fight at the 2007 King's Cup. But Zou won the next two fights and they will cross paths again for the first time as professionals in the Showdown at Sands on March 7 at the Venetian Macao Cotai Arena.