After winning the World Boxing Organization (WBO) International Flyweight title in Shanghai on Jan. 30, Zou Shiming has hinted at stepping down from the ring in the near future, as reported by Shanghai Daily.
"Boxing is not everything for me," said one of the most well-known boxers in China after knocking out Brazilian Natan Santana Coutinho, taking the title.
"Even if I lost tonight, I still have my family," said Zou after the fight, with his wife and two sons by his side. "I felt more support in their presence. I knew that I was not fighting alone."
Zou also hinted at trying other roles in the sport.
"I have been in boxing for 21 years," he said. "It is important to enjoy the sport and be a model and a leader to fellow boxers in my country. As long as I can contribute to the development of China's professional boxing, I'm happy."
At first, the media interpreted Zou's statements as him giving up his dream of a world title. But it was later confirmed that this was not the case.
Bob Arum, Zou's promoter, confirmed immediately after Saturday's fight that Zou still had the world title in his plans.
"His performance was outstanding," said Arum. "I want to test him again in spring. By the end of the year, he will have a fight for the world championship."
During the match, Zou appeared rusty at first. This was expected considering he was returning to the ring after 10 months on break.
Coutinho even danced the Samba in the ring in an effort to provoke Zou.
However, during the eighth round, Zou forced Coutinho on the ropes with a couple of strong flurries, forcing the referee to intervene in the last 43 seconds of the match.
This fight was Zou's first bout in mainland China, with all his previous ones happening in Macau.
"I was actually a bit nervous before the fight, but as soon as I stepped into the ring, I managed to concentrate immediately," said Zou. "My opponent is young and new, adding to the uncertainty of the fight. Therefore, I treated every round as the first round, and grabbed my chance in the eighth when I felt that he had reached his limit."
In March 2015, Zou lost to Thai boxer Amnat Ruenroeng, missing out on the world title. After the loss, he took a break from the sport, only returning to train four weeks before his fight with Coutinho.