Corporate Bits | Zou Shiming goes for his first professional title

Zou Shiming

In only his fifth professional fight and just 15 months removed from his professional debut, two-time Chinese Olympic gold medalist and national icon Zou Shiming (4-0, 1 KO) of Guizhou, China, will be fighting for his first professional title. He will make his 10-round bout debut in the main event of Champions of Gold, Saturday, 19 July, at The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Arena. The World Boxing Organization (WBO) announced yesterday that it will sanction Zou Shiming’s upcoming fight against Luis De La Rosa (23-3-1, 13 KOs) of Arboletes, Colombia, for the Special Elite WBO International Flyweight Championship. A victory over De La Rosa could propel the No. 3 world-rated Zou Shiming toward a shot at a world title.
It will not be an easy task for the Freddie Roach-trained Zou Shiming. Four of De La Rosa’s last six victories have been by way of knockout. Zou Shiming collected his first professional knockout victory on February 22, his last appearance at Cotai Arena, stopping the formidable Yokthong Kokietgym in the seventh round. The 10-round Zou Shiming – Luis De La Rosa title fight will be televised in the U.S. via same-day delay on HBO 2.
The Special Elite WBO International Flyweight Championship is only sanctioned for bouts that feature a fighter of elite stature, such as Zou Shiming, who has won three World Amateur Championships in addition to his two Olympic gold medals. Though the list is short by design, past recipients of this honor include: Manny Pacquiao, Juan Manuel Márquez and Vasyl Lomachenko, who fought for this prestigious title before challenging for a world championship. Pacquiao won this when he fought Brandon Rios last year at the Cotai Arena.
The winner will receive the Special Elite WBO International Belt, specially designed with Swarovski Crystal stones in a beautiful assortment of jewel colors on the crown, detailed in a Gold Mirror finish with two handcrafted emblems of the faces of the two fighters, elevated into perfection to distinguish both fighters’ features. It is one of the most unique championship belts in boxing.

TIS receives 5th corporate donation from Sands China

Howard Stribbell

Sands China Ltd. donated MOP 1.4 million to The International School of Macao. TIS Board Chairman John Crawford and Head of School Howard Stribbell received the donation at an official cheque presentation held at The Venetian Macao yesterday. Also in attendance were senior management of Sands China Ltd. including the president and chief executive officer, Edward Tracy, the senior vice president of Human Resources, Antonio Ramirez and senior vice president of Public Relations and Community Affairs, Melina Leong.
In addition to its latest contribution, Sands China Ltd. has also made four previous donations to TIS. According to a press release, the company gave MOP 1.4 million in previous years, bringing the total to MOP 7 million in donations to the school. Sands China Ltd. is a Jade Lotus sponsor, the highest-level sponsor under the Business Supports Education program.
“Sands China Ltd. has been a significant supporter of TIS over the years and has contributed much to our growth as a school,” said Howard Stribbell. “Their ongoing support has allowed us to expand programs and acquire state-of-the art technology to improve the learning environment at all grade levels,” he added.