Zou wins China's first boxing gold

Zou steps onto the podium. (Photo credit: Xinhua)

(BEIJING, August 24) -- China's Zou Shiming won China's first boxing gold today by defeating Mongolia's Serdamba Purevdorj in the final of the light-flyweight class. Zou hit Purevdorj with a combo of punches in the first round, earning one point.

The bout ended abruptly in the second round with Purevdorj retiring due to a shoulder injury that he suffered in his bout against Yampier Hernandez G of Cuba.

"When I was fighting today I felt a lot of pain in my shoulder and I decided not to force myself," said Purevdorj.

Zou was ecstatic at being able to better the bronze medal that he won at Athens 2004.

"I am very happy because I won the first Boxing gold medal for my country," said Zou after winning the gold medal.

"I wanted to give the spectators a wonderful show, but I did not expect that my opponent would get injured. However, the gold medal is the most important thing."