2015 starts the year with the intriguing, joint debut of 2 Chinese boxing prospects, Meng Fanlong and Wang Zhimin.
Both fighters are promoted under the newly established boxing company, Dynasty Boxing, formed by longtime promoter Dino Duva (son of trainer Lou Duva) and overseen by new partners Tommy and Terry Lane (sons of referee Mills Lane).
The arrival of both these fighters will go unheralded by most casual boxing observers unfamiliar with the development of the Chinese Pro boxing scene, currently being spearheaded by dual gold medalist Zou Shiming under Top Rank.
However the commencement of the career of these two Fighters marks something of a shift in this strategy, Whilst Zou was chosen for his Olympic star power and familiarity in the Mainland, these two contenders were guided here on the basis of their potential to succeed as Professionals, (both have workable Pro styles) unlike Zou Shiming who already faces the limitations of a long career spent as an Amateur.
More significant is their desire to compete in America, at the stacked and loaded weight-classes of Super-Lightweight (140lbs) and Light Heavy (175lbs). Which means their progression in the ranks may have a better chance of altering the landscape and capturing attention of the wider Western market. As opposed to the 112lb Shiming who fights exclusively in Macau.
A brief rundown of the two fighters:
Meng Fanlong a tall, lanky southpaw with a wide variety of punches. He can fight off the back foot and counter, he prefers to box and his signature punch is the check-hook. Interestingly he has bought his original Trainer on board, a man who has guided him up to now and was a former Amateur boxer himself. Coach Ma Jingwei.
Wang Zhimin a Boxer-puncher who fights out of a shell, has good footwork and can lead with hooks from left and right. He has experience as semi-pro boxer competing in the World Series of Boxing a few years ago, winning the Championship and actually qualifying himself for a position at the 2012 Olympics. Alas, a change in the regulations regarding his eligibility for the China National Team left him without a place and the opportunity to participate. It is good to see him finally turn pro.
The beginning of the journey of both these boxers marks the start of a wave of Chinese fighters looking to make their mark on the world stage, it will be interesting to observe how they progress separately, but toward the same path of world title contendership.
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