Zou Shiming of China works out in front of the media at the Venetian Macao hotel in Macau, March 5, 2015. (Photo : REUTERS)
Chinese boxing sensation Zou Shiming has to slug it out with a friend in Thailand's IBF flyweight champion Amnat Ruenroeng when he attempts to win his first world title on Saturday at the Cotai Arena in Macau.
The two have fought three times in the amateurs with Zou winning two of those, but this is the first time they will square off over 12 rounds in a card they will headline dubbed as "Showdown at Sands."
A two-time Olympic gold medalist, Zou beat Amnat the last time they fought at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou. On the other hand, Amnat beat Zou at the King's Cup in 2007 in Thailand.
Zou and Amnat have developed a friendship over the course of their rivalry, but they will cast that aside for the meantime during their match.
"We are professionals and although it's true we are good friends, when he is in the ring I will want to hurt him, to try to kill him," Zou said in jest.
The 35-year-old Amnat (14-0, 5 KOs) is the more experienced professional and will be making the third defense.
The 33-year-old Zou (6-0, 1 KO), who is being prepared for by the Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach, is considered the underdog by boxing observers.
Zou is still learning to fight like a professional and credits Roach for teaching him a lot and for improving his power and speed in his six pro fights.
Roach believes that a win by Zou could be the start of a Chinese revolution of world champions coming through.
