MACAU – He’s the reigning world champion and he’s fighting for 12 full rounds.
But it’s not Brian Viloria but mainland ring star Zou Shiming who’s fighting in the main event of Saturday’s first ever major boxing event in this former Portuguese colony.
Viloria, defending his World Boxing Organization and World Boxing Association flyweight titles against Mexican challenger Juan Franciso Estrada, doesn’t mind playing second fiddle to the two-time Olympic gold medalist from China who is making his professional debut.
“Definitely not, with a stage like this, it’s a big stage to share,” said the 32-year-old title holder.
The Viloria-Estrada match is one of two world title fights included in the boxing card promoted by Top Rank, the other being the WBO super-featherweight championship showdown between Diego Magdaleno and Roman Martinez.
But it’s the 31-year-old Zou who’s being advertised and promoted in the card.
The three-time world champion fights in his first pro bout against Eleazar Valenzuela of Mexico in a four-rounder at flyweight that serves as the main event to be held shortly after the Viloria-Estrada encounter.
Viloria, who fought in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, has no problem with that.
“I’ve got 12 rounds and Zou got four rounds. I’m taking this opportunity for me to steal the show maybe,” he said.
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