Chinese boxing concludes golden journey with three more gold

FOSHAN, South China - Chinese boxing concluded its golden journey at the Guangzhou Asiad with three more gold medals here on Friday.

Victories by defending champion Zou Shiming, women's boxer Dong Cheng and Li Jinzi won China three more boxing gold, while Chinese 21-year-old Zhang Jiawei settled for the silver after losing to Worapoj Petchkoom of Thailand in men's 56kg.

For the first time on the medal standings, China took the lead with five gold and three silver and two bronze, while India followed with 2-3-4. Kazakhstan took the third with 2-2-2.

Light-flyweight Zou Shiming, the highly talented 2008 Beijing Olympic winner, continued his momentum in men's 49kg final after he saw off stubborn Thai Amnat Ruenroeng 5-2 in the semis. Facing Birzhan Zhakypov of Kazakhstan, Zou overcame a first-round 0-1 deficit to defend his title with a score of 9-5.

"Thanks to my experience, I kept calm when lagging behind," said the 29-year-old Zou, "It is a new start for me because earlier I won the gold but today I had to defend my title and it was a big task to achieve."

Looking ahead, Zou said that his main goal was to defend his Olympic title in London Olympics. The 29-year-old also expressed his willingness to join in the professional ring after London's campaign.

"Olympic gold is my aim, while professional boxing is my dream. I will make my dream come true after 2012," added Zou.

Earlier in the women's 60kg and 75kg finals, Chinese boxers Dong Cheng and Li Jinzi beat Tassamalee Thongjan of Thailand and Undram Erdenesoyol of Mongolia respectively. As another Chinese women boxer Ren Cancan took the gold in Thursday's 51kg, China has collected all three gold in women's competition.

China shocked traditional regional powers Kazakhstan, Thailand and South Korea by finishing second last time in Doha after bagging two gold through Zou Shiming and Hu Qing.

Chinese boxing followed that up with a surprise four medals at the Beijing Olympics including a first-ever gold, and the sport has gone from strength-to strength in the country since.

This time in Guangzhou, the Chinese fighters are slowly putting the country on the boxing map.

Looking ahead to the London Olympics, Chinese boxing is therefore expected to present a better performance. However, Chinese boxing ring keeps a clear mind.

"We have the home advantage at the Beijing Olympics and the Guangzhou Asiad, but we will be away from home at the London Olympics," said Zhang Chuanliang, the head coach of Chinese boxing team.