Precision punching, slick defense pave path to WBO flyweight crown

As methodical as a surgeon and cool as an assassin, Zou Shiming punched his way to the vacant WBO world flyweight title on Saturday night in Las Vegas.

China's two-time Olympic gold medalist from Zunyi, Guizhou province, was all but perfect in pounding out a 12-round decision over Thailand's Prasitsak Phaprom on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao's welterweight title triumph over Jessie Vargas at the Thomas and Mack Center.

Two judges scored the bout 120-107 while the third had it 119-108 for Zou, who became just the second Chinese boxer to win a major world title after Kunming's Zhang Chaozhong, who won the WBC strawweight crown in 2012.

"My dream is now realized ... all the hard work paid off," Zou, 35, said in a TV interview moments after being presented with the title belt.

"I didn't really feel pressure; I was calm and relaxed throughout the fight. Now I am an Olympic champion, a pro champion ... and a world champion."

Zou fought like a champ from the opening bell, using his 10-centimeter height advantage to dictate a distance that Phaprom was never able to violate with meaningful violence.

Since his last outing - a 10-round decision over Hungary's Jozef Ajtai in June - Zou and his Hall of Fame trainer, Freddie Roach, made some subtle adjustments to open up punching angles, and the result was spectacular.

After decking Phaprom with a short right hook late in the second round, Zou took complete command in the third, landing an impressive 52 percent of his punches.

The scenario was repeated over and over for the remainder of the fight: Phaprom desperately trying to bull his way inside, and Zou calmly teeing off with vicious rights behind a piston-like jab.

In improving to 9-1, Zou landed 347 of 778 punches (45 percent), highlighted by brilliant bombardment in rounds 6 and 7 that landed with an astonishing 63 percent accuracy.

Phaprom, 35, had scored 12 straight KOs since losing to Zou in Macao two years ago. He dropped to 39-2-2.

"He's dirty as hell," Roach said of the Thai when the rematch was announced.

"The last time we fought him, Prasitak was head-butting and landing low blows throughout the whole fight. I've warned my guy to be ready to respond this time."

There was no need.

Zou never gave Phaprom the opportunity to turn it into a street fight, keeping the pressure on the smaller man by stalking rather than chasing.

On the few occasions Phaprom was able to mount anything that resembled a sustained attack, Zou's slick footwork and lightning-quick jab got him out of trouble.

In round 6, Zou showboated by dropping his hands and sticking out his chin, daring Phaprom to try to hit him. In the 9th, he did a passable imitation of the Ali shuffle while the frustrated Thai threw punches at air.

Phaprom, who landed only 107 of 503 punches (21 percent), paid a heavy price for trying to get inside. Zou opened a cut over his left eye in round 5, and targeted it for the rest of the fight.

The victory was sweet redemption for Zou, who in his first crack at a world title was soundly beaten by then IBF champ Amnat Ruenroeng 20 months ago in Macao.

"Zou's success has gained the notice of a new fan base in the US, and he has become a big name in terms of sponsorships, ticket sales and Chinese TV revenue," Top Rank promoter Bob Arum said before the fight.

"I know (casino magnate) Steve Wynn is delighted to have Zou in Vegas because a lot of high-rollers from China are here to see him. And a win means huge fights for him in China in 2017."

murraygreig@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 11/07/2016 page24)