BOXING | Zou Shiming and Freddie Roach tour Macau

Local boxer KK Ng took two-time Olympic gold medalist Zou Shiming and his family, along with world-renowned trainer Freddie Roach, on a tour in old Taipa last week, where he introduced them to some local food.
Zou Shiming has spoken to the media about his upcoming fight in the Champions of Gold on July 19, which he said would be proof of his ability if he wins. The Chinese boxer believes that the win would facilitate his future challenges of other championship belt boxers.
Freddie Roach, meanwhile, shared some of his thoughts about Asian fighters with the Times during the tour.
During their visit to old Taipa, Zou Shiming and Freddie Roach tried the famous bird nest tart and pork chop bread. Mr Roach admitted that he has a sweet tooth. He also joked that these two types of food are probably not the best for a fighter, but would be good for a post-
match celebration.
Zou Shiming, on the other hand, said that he finds Macau increasingly familiar every time he visits the city. He also knows some restaurants where he can find great food. Zou said that he feels as if Macau is another hometown for him.
Moreover, Zou talked about his excitement regarding his first attempt to fight 10 rounds in one go. He stated that his team has done sufficient preparation for the fight. “I am very confident [that they will] show a good physical performance in this match.”
The Olympic gold medalist noted that his opponent, Luis De La Rosa, has a good record and is among the top 15 in the world. Zou Shiming believes that if he can win the fight against De La Rose, it will prove his strength and will be another advancement for Chinese boxing on the world stage.
“Therefore, I hope that in Macau, my land of fortune, I can deliver a good performance again. It is because, if I win this fight, I will have the opportunity and potential to challenge champion fighters. So I will strive for this chance.”
Meanwhile, Freddie Roach told the Times that although some Asian fighters have a smaller physique, their technique has rendered them better fighters.
“I think that the little guys in boxing are the better fighters [and] better technique-wise. Maybe they don’t hit as hard, but they have much more technique and they make moves. They set things up.”
He commented that the heavyweight division is not hugely exciting, while the lighter divisions are taking over. “That’s why guys like Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto and guys like that, they are making heavyweight money that was never there before.” He also reckoned that Asian fighters have always dominated smaller divisions.
However, Freddie Roach also thinks that small fighters burn out more quickly than their heavier counterparts because they fight at a much faster pace.
After trying local food, the group also went to the nearby Beidi Temple, where the fighters offered prayers.