From AP – A Chinese fighter’s victory at a Macau showdown brings the world’s top casino market a step closer to challenging Las Vegas for dominance of another Sin City staple: big-time boxing matches.
Macau, which long ago eclipsed Vegas as the world’s top gambling city, is now looking to add to its allure by holding the kind of boxing bouts that Las Vegas is known for.
The tiny Chinese enclave is hosting a series of high-profile bouts this year featuring a pair of Asian stars: Chinese two-time Olympic gold medalist Zou Shiming and Philippine fighter Manny Pacquiao.
Zou made his professional debut in April, winning the “Fists of Gold” match at Macau’s Venetian resort. He returned for a second installment of the series on Saturday night, defeating his Mexican opponent in a unanimous decision at the Cotai Arena.
Zou’s rise has helped boost boxing’s popularity among fans in China, where the sport was banned until the mid-1980s. Chinese fans, mostly subdued for the six preliminary “undercard” fights, rose to their feet for the main event, calling out “Jia you!” — Chinese for “Let’s go!” — and stomping their feet as Zou fought a six-round flyweight match with Jesus Ortega.
Now all eyes are on the “Clash in Cotai” in November, featuring Pacquiao for the main event and Zou on the undercard. Organizers say it’ll be the biggest professional boxing match ever held in China. It’ll also be the first outside of the U.S. since 2006 for the Filipino superstar, who has lost his two last bouts.
