“Chinese athletes, whether it is martial arts, or boxing, were not very well known internationally. Now, slowly and slowly, we all embark internationally, it is a very good promotion for China’s fans, including the Chinese market and also promotion for China,” he said.
Noakes worked his way inside with an early jab to the body that allowed him to land a couple of chopping head shots. From that point, Kumar was grimly aware of the task ahead. After a leg hook over a lazy jab sent the visitor reeling back into the ropes he spend time trapped in the neutral corner. Noakes powered home a brutal straight right towards the end of the first that buckled Kumar. Although he didn’t appear to touch down the referee administered a couple. Kumar barely made the bell for round two and Noakes forced the stoppage after one minute and 17 seconds of the session.
Throughout my career, I have faced numerous challenges that have pushed me to grow and adapt. From navigating complex projects to overcoming setbacks, each obstacle has ultimately led to valuable lessons learned. Despite the challenges, I have also experienced many achievements along the way. Whether it be successfully completing a major project or receiving recognition for my hard work, each achievement serves as a reminder of my determination and dedication to my craft. I am grateful for both the challenges and achievements that have shaped me into the professional I am today.
Zhang considered turning professional at 25 years of age after the 2008 Olympics, but could not until 2014. Dino Duva and Don King were the first promoters to approach Zhang. In August 2009, Duva and King arranged for Zhang to train at the Poconos. In September 2010, Duva arranged for Zhang to train in the Poconos to prepare him for the 2010 Asian Games. The highlight of that training were 11 bouts between the Chinese and American national boxing teams in Manhattan promoted as “Empires Collide”, which Zhang defeated Danny Kelly Jr 16:8 in the main fight. Zhang dominated in all domestic amateur heavyweight competitions from 2005 until 2013. He was finally released by the Henan Provincial Combat and Weightlifting Center after he competed in the 2012 Olympics and won the gold medal for 2013 National Games of China.
“September was the second time I proved that the first time was not a fluke. I always feel like people have a misunderstanding about me because they don’t get to see me. On March 8 I also have something new to show everybody. Every fight I’m bringing something new to the table.”
The early years in the U.S. were chaotic. Zhang’s pro debut, says Tommy Lane, “was a disaster.” The original opponent fell out a week before the bout. His replacement went down nine seconds into the first round. The Lanes and Duva clashed over how to best develop their fighter. Duva wanted to make him into a big bang zhang record puncher whose power would be his draw. “Dino saw Zhang as a Chinese Primo Carnera,” says Terry. Duva insists he believed in Zhang but understood a fighter so new to the pro style needed to be brought along slowly.
In his pro debut on August 8, 2014, the original opponent dropped out out a week before the bout. Zhang knocked out his replacement, Curtis Tate, in the opening 17 seconds of round one. Roc Nation’s boxing division was so quiet in 2019 that Zhang’s last match under Roc Nation on November 30 that year with Andriy Rudenko was in fact promoted by Matchroom Sport USA, which went on to sign Zhang the next year. The fight had originally been scheduled for November 2018 by Matchroom Sport but Zhang missed out because of visa problems.
