Junior featherweight Runqi Zhou is a relentless pressure fighter whose awkward style propels him to pull off upsets.
He scored his latest upset this past weekend, winning a split decision over the 11-1 Junior Binnu Singh at Vodafone Arena in Suva, Fiji.
Zhou, now 10-3-1 (3 KOs), has learned on the job. This latest win is his fifth victory over a fighter who had just one loss on his record at the time or was previously undefeated.
Zhou is a 25-year-old from Zhengzhou, China, now residing in Australia. Originally brought in as a sparring partner for Andrew and Jason Moloney, Zhou found a home with the team and began to work with their manager, Tony Tolj.
“We first met in August of last year, and since that time, we have had five fights and a sixth is already scheduled,” Tolj told BoxingScene. “Zhou is a tricky opponent because he is relentless; he just comes at you and throws a million punches, hence the fight name ‘Fist of Fury.’ He's really like a Chinese Terminator.”
Zhou entered the WBC Grand Prix tournament in April but was bounced in the first round by Yoni Valverde Jnr, losing a unanimous decision. It was Zhou’s first loss since working with Tolj.
He was back just three months later for the Singh bout. And his team already has another fight date for him against Asyer Aluman on August 29 in Australia.
“He is a developmental project. He has the ability. He just needs the experience, as he didn't have a single amateur fight,” Tolj said. “We believe over time, with every step up, he will rise to the occasion.”
Zhou, a road warrior, got the opportunity to face Singh based on a previous fight in Fiji, which left a lasting impression. The win may accomplish the same result, positioning him to be a quality spoiler to test up-and-comers.
“Nahroon Buksh of Kings Boxing Promotions was impressed with Runqi Zhou's last performance in Fiji,” Tolj said. “This victory positions him for future events in Fiji.”
