BEIJING, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese boxing star Zou Shiming defeated Pongprayoon Kaeo of Thailand at the Asian Champions Boxing tournament here on Tuesday, claiming his first international title after winning the 48kg category gold at the Beijing Games.
As the defending Olympic and world champion, the world top-ranked Zou showed great aggression and took a 2-0 lead in the opening round. However, Kaeo grabbed two counter-attack opportunities to level the score in the second round, saving the three-round game from being a lopsided match-up.
Although not being the best shape, the 28-year-old Zou did not disappoint the local crowd. He earned 4 more scores in the final round and secured the victory 6-3.
After winning the first Olympic boxing gold medal for China, Zou spent much of his time outside of the boxing ring in 2009, only competing in the National Games. It was his first international competition after the Beijing Games and the 1.62m boxer had already pinned his goal on the coming Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.
"All the boxers fighting in this tournament are continental elite and they showed very good condition in the games. They will be tough rivals on my way to defend the Asian Games title," said a confident Zou.
