China's boxer Zou guaranteed shot at Amnat Ruenroeng in 2015

Zou Shiming of China celebrates his victory over Kwanpichit Onesongchaigym of Thailand during their World Boxing Organisation (WBO) 12-round welterweight title fight at the Venetian Macao hotel in Macao November 23, 2014.[Photo/Xinhua]

China's Zou Shiming defeated Thailand's No 1-ranked Kwanpichit Onesongchaigym in their International Boxing Federation flyweight title eliminator after 12 rounds of fighting at the Venetian Macao hotel in Macao on Sunday, giving him a guaranteed a shot at world champion Amnat Ruenroeng in 2015.

Taking advantage of his fast movement, China's two-time Olympic gold medal winner led the fight for most of the time although he was hit hard several times by Kwanpichit on the head and won with a bleeding right brow bridge and a somewhat disfigured face.

"Zou's punching speed and strength were already exceeding my expectations in the first week of training camp and he's only gotten stronger and faster since," said Freddie Roach, Hall of Fame trainer, who also oversees Pacquiao's corner, before the match.

This is Zou's first 12-round and Kwanpichit is far more experienced. Both men are 33, but the unbeaten Thai has logged 165 pro rounds to Zou's 33.

"I started my professional career after the age of 30, a decision I am proud of and still feel lucky about," Zou said at a Shanghai media conference in October. "Right now I am just learning about professional boxing and the glories that are available...and I want to inspire the new generation of boxers in China."