Zou Shiming vs. Amnat Ruenroeng
Lou Catalano, Senior Writer
Zou Shiming is going for the title in his seventh pro fight, and Freddie Roach thinks he’s ready to turn the corner in his pro game.
Perhaps if he sat down on his punches, we wouldn’t be bored stiff when watching him. Someday, Shiming might become an exciting fighter. He’s got loads of talent. Saturday however, will not be that day.
He and Amnat Ruenroeng know each other very well, because they fought three times as amateurs, with Shiming taking two of three. Expect a twelve round tactical display (translation – boring as shit) that Shiming will pull out by decision.
Prediction: Shiming
Tony Calcara, Staff Writer
In just two years and six fights, Zou Shiming is getting his first title shot. He faces an opponent he is all too familiar with, having fought Amnat Ruenroeng three times in the amateurs.
This is a very good style match up for Shiming. I like Shiming to win more than likely by decision.
Prediction: Shiming
Brandon Glass, Contributing Writer
Zou Shiming gets a title shot and it should be another showcase for him. This is only Amnat Ruenroeng’s 15th fight, though he’s got a lot of amateur experience like Zou.
The Thai fighter has only scored five KOs, so it seems like a “safer” play for a manufactured fighter like Shiming. I expect Zou to win a unanimous decision.
Prediction: Shiming
Zuri Lopez, Contributing Writer
Zou Shiming vs. Amnat Ruenroeng is an interesting bout where both fighters are of advanced age in the boxing world and have spent their teens and twenties in the amateurs.
Shiming up to now has shown us his fast and razor-sharp skills. Ruenroeng is the IBF Flyweight Champion, but he shouldn’t be a tough problem for Shiming who at this point should be superior.
Prediction: Shiming
Alex McLeish, Staff Writer
Amnat Ruenroeng picked up his first world title when he outpointed Rocky Fuentes to win the vacant IBF Flyweight strap back in January 2014. Since then, he’s defended it twice, first by outpunching the smaller Kazuto Ioka in May, and again in September against McWilliams Arroyo in a hard-fought fight that saw Ruenroeng down in the sixth round, only to get up and secure his second split decision defense in a row.
Zou Shiming is in the hands of world-class trainer Freddie Roach, and has wins in two of his three meetings with Ruenroeng in the amateurs to hang his hat on. In his most recent fight he earned a unanimous decision victory over Kwanpichit Onesongchaigym on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao vs. Chris Algieri. Zou had to grind it out, fighting 12 rounds for the first time in his career, and doing so coming down the stretch with one eye completely shut.
So who do you pick between two guys with a combined 20 professional fights, with no real knockout threat between them, and who are no strangers to a hard-fought fight?
You assume the fights close, and you pick the man who’s fighting on his home soil. I see Zou being a little faster and winning enough rounds to squeak out a very close, very competitive and hopefully very entertaining fight.
Prediction: Shiming
Juan Carlos Galvez, Photographer
Zou Shiming by decision.
Prediction: Shiming
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
I like what I saw early on in Zou Shiming’s last fight. He seems to be progressing quickly and definitely sat down on his punches more. He’s got a familiar foe in front of him in IBF champ, Amnat Ruenroeng.
I think it says a lot that Top Rank, Freddie Roach and whoever else is charge of the match making to let Zou step into a title fight in only his seventh bout. I think there is minimal risk and Zou has progressed enough to be the favorite here.
I think it’ll be an interesting bout, one that Zou may be able to close in emphatic fashion with a late knockout.
Prediction: Shiming
