By Mark Vester
Junior flyweight Zou Shiming, regarded as one the best amateur fighters in the history of China, plans to turn pro in 2009. At the 2008 Beijing Olympic games, Shiming won China their first ever Olympic gold medal for boxing. He beat America's Rau'shee Warren on his way to the gold. Shiming also won the country their first ever boxing medal at the 2004 games when he took home the bronze in Athens.
Shiming planned to wait until 2012 to defend his Olympic title in the London games, but at late age of 27, it was now or never to turn pro.
"I want a professional golden belt for my country. I think I am capable," the 27-year-old Zou told Beijing News. "The professional contests are easier and more attractive to watch."
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