Passion still burns inside Chinese boxer Zou Shiming as he faces moment of truth
Two-time Olympic champion faces must-win bout against Brazilian Natan Santana Coutinho
Zou Shiming faces his moment of truth on Saturday night when he steps into the ring at the Oriental Sport Centre to face Brazilian Natan Santana Coutinho for the vacant WBO International flyweight title.
Win and the Chinese fighter can start looking towards another possible world title challenge later in the year.
Lose, and the rankings drop combined with the march of time might well force the 34-year-old to weigh up his future.
We all know what’s at stake. Win and away we go again. Lose and, well, we’ll come up with another plan
Mere mention of the second scenario produced a few noticeable nervous ticks on Friday from the money men behind the two-time Olympic champion’s professional career, and the spread of the sport across China.
But promoters Bob Arum of Top Rank and Sheng Li of Seca used the official weigh-in to assure the faithful all would not be lost for the man, or the sport, should Coutinho surprise.
“We’re taking things one step at a time,” said Arum. “After this there will be another fight in May or June and hopefully a world title shot at the end of the year.
“We all know what’s at stake. Win and away we go again. Lose and, well, we’ll come up with another plan”
READ MORE: Zou Shiming breaks from reality TV stardom to resurrect boxing career in ‘Return of the King’
