Lu Bin keen to follow in Zou Shiming’s footsteps and win Olympic boxing gold
Light flyweight is China’s main hope in the ring at the Rio Games
Chinese boxing hero Zou Shiming will not be competing at the Rio Olympic Games this summer but there is no shortage of power from the mainland in the light flyweight category with the emergence of Lu Bin.
Zou’s success in the Olympic Games opened a new path for boxers in China, raising the sport’s profile and that’s why we all treat him as a role model
At 21, Lu will be the favourite for the 46-49 kilogram event after winning the APB World Championship in February 2015 before successfully defending his title seven months later.
“Zou’s success in the Olympic Games opened a new path for boxers in China, raising the sport’s profile and that’s why we all treat him as a role model,” the star-in-the-making said at the Beijing Olympic Centre.
“I was a relatively new member of the Guangzhou municipal team when I watched Zou win Olympic gold in 2008.
“His success let the world know Chinese boxers are capable of competing against the world’s best. He instilled a lot of impetus for a young kid like me.
WATCH: Lu Bin aims to follow in Zou Shiming’s footsteps
“I am so happy to have the same opportunity in Rio. Chinese boxers are always competitive in the lightweight events because we are quick and agile, and more importantly we are not afraid to attack. I can’t wait for the Games.”