MACAU – Two-time Olympic champion Zou Shiming had a successful pro debut in front a huge crowd at the Cotai Arena inside The Venetian Hotel and Resort Casino, pulling off a unanimous decision win over Eleazar Valenzuela of Mexico on Saturday night.
The 31-year-old Chinese won the four-round match at flyweight by similar scores of 40-36 in all the three judges’ scorecard.
Shiming said he was nervous in his very first fight as a professional after a decorated amateur career, but drew inspiration from the huge Chinese crowd that witnessed their beloved countryman dominate his Mexican opponent from the opening round onwards.
A three-time world champion, Shiming had his best round in the third when he hurt Eleazar with a straight right, backing off the Mexican as the crowd erupted in wild frenzy.
“We have a future champion here,” said trainer Freddie Roach during the post-fight press conference.
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