Zou hits new high in his US debut

Despite a relatively low-quality bout, Zou Shiming's victorious overseas debut on Saturday should pave the way for Chinese boxing to join the sport's international mainstream.

The two-time Olympic gold medalist scored a 10-round unanimous decision over 19-year-old Hungarian Jozsef Ajtai at Madison Square Garden, New York, making his career record 8-1 since turning professional after the London Games in 2012.

The 35-year-old flyweight's first overseas fight as a pro attracted tens of millions of Chinese fans to watch live at home on TV and via online streaming platforms.