Zou Shiming arrives in USA

With nothing left to prove at amateur level, China's two-time Olympic and three-time world amateur boxing champion Zou Shiming will soon enter the professional ranks. And on Tuesday he travels to the bright lights of Las Vegas ready to begin a training camp ahead of his first pro-fight in April, with hopes it could be the start of a pro-career that could make him a household now around the world.

With his wife by his side, Zou Shiming stepped into the arrivals area at LAX right into a waiting throng of media. The most decorated amateur boxer in Chinese history in hot demand as he prepares for the next stage of his already impressive career.

Zou enters the paid ranks with all-world speed and footwork, but endurance could be his biggest obstacle early. As a pro, he will have to be ready to go a full 12 rounds. However, the Chinese sweet scientist says he is up to the task.

Zou Shiming, Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, said, "After the two Olympics and especially after the first Olympics gold medal, I wanted to turn pro. But then I was able to successfully defend my Olympic title. I am very happy, this is more of a joy than a challenge and I am looking ahead to finally chase my dream. For me it is important to get myself familiar with the pro rules and the environment but I am looking forward to it."

The 31-year-old Zou has a wealth of amateur experience. Fighting in the light flyweight class, he won a bronze medal at the Athens Olympic Games - China's first boxing medal - and went on to win gold in both Beijing and London. And sandwiched in between those Olympic games were three World Amateur Championships.

Zou Shiming said, "During my amateur career, I fought boxers from all around the world, including American boxers. I can tell they have very good training and they have very good style and technique but I think my experience from fighting in so many amateur fights in the past will prepare me better for turning pro. And I am looking forward to showing everybody what I can do."

The next stop for Zou is the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, Nevada. There he will get to work on refining his game with the well respected Top Rank boxing team. He is expected to remain in Vegas until late March, before returning to Asia for his first bout as a professional on April 6th in Macau.