Prior to making his professional debut in his native China in November 2020, featherweight Runqi Zhou (8-2-1, 3 KOs) had very modest expectations for the venture he was about to embark on. With no amateur experience under his belt, the 24-year-old viewed his pugilistic prospects as restricted to his homeland, potentially culminating in a national title of some form.
Flash forward four years, and a much different set of circumstances is at play. In that time, Zhou has showcased his exciting style to fans in six countries within the Asia-Pacific region, resulting in three different regional belts in as many weight classes being wrapped around his waist.
The most recent of these, the IBO Asia Pacific featherweight title, which came courtesy of a ninth-round knockout of Ubayd Haider (10-2, 6 KOs) in Fiji on October 26, is an achievement that holds a special place in his heart. Calling it the “biggest highlight” of his career to date, Zhou believes the belt directly reflects his growth as a fighter.
Having relocated to Australia to train alongside former world champions Jason (27-3, 19 KOs) and Andrew (26-4, 16 KOs) Moloney under the tutelage of Angelo Hyder, the Zhengzhou product is starting to see the rewards of a strong work ethic.
“I am very honored to compete in so many countries which has given me a lot of valuable experience. I had never thought at the beginning that I could compete in various countries. My initial dream was just to win a gold belt in China,” Zhou told FightsATW. “The biggest highlight is the most recent fight in Fiji. My coach, Angelo, asked me to strengthen my defense every day when preparing for the fight. My good brother Andrew Moloney also reminded me to strengthen my defense the day before going to Fiji. Fortunately, I did it; I won the battle without getting too many punches in the face.”
The feeling of elation filling the air of Nadi’s Prince Charles Park that night soon turned to those of sympathy as tragedy began to set in. Not long after the bout was waived off, Haider collapsed, falling into a coma for 15 days before sadly passing on November 10. During the two weeks of uncertainty, a compassionate Zhou called for the boxing world to keep his opponent front of mind.
In light of the devastating set of circumstances, the adopted Aussie received the full support of his team in the months since, both personally and professionally. “It was an unfortunate (set of) events in the last event; we just have to keep moving forward. Runqi is a great person and I will be doing my best to give him the best opportunities to achieve all he can,” Zhou’s manager, Tony Tolj, explained to FightsATW.
The ‘opportunity to achieve’ that now lies ahead for Zhou is another with incredibly high stakes. Though not for a title of any sort, the slated eight-round contest with Queensland’s Tony Ingram (6-0, 3 KOs) may prove crucial for another reason. Taking place on the undercard of Jai Opetaia’s (26-0, 20 KOs) IBF and Ring Magazine cruiserweight title defense against David Nyika (10-0, 9 KOs) and broadcast globally on DAZN, the platform gives a chance to new fans in far reaches of the world to become acquainted with the man known as “Fists of Fury.” It also gives a natural entertainer another opening to steal the show from a world title fight.
Prior to the recent Haider bout, Zhou waged a six-round war with Richard Lockett (5-3, 4 KOs) in September, taking a great amount of attention away from Thammanoon Niyomtrong’s (25-0, 9 KOs) minimumweight world title defense against Alex Winwood (4-1, 2 KOs) that topped the Perth bill.
Best Fights of 2024;
Runqi Zhou SD6 Richard Lockett.
09/07/2024. pic.twitter.com/f900IQJB7V— 𝗧𝗮𝗵𝗷 𝗥🥀 (@BoxingJournaIs) November 1, 2024
The amount of fanfare the preliminary contest gained has become an immense source of pride for the come-forward, high-volume slugger.“I feel that boxing fans love my boxing style, which is also what I hope,” he said. “I think (the aim of) being a professional boxer is to deliver a wonderful fight that is entertaining for everyone. If I could achieve this, I feel that I (would) have performed well.”
Knowing that Ingram has all the makings of a top prospect, Zhou vows to march on the way he knows best, with great humility. Weaponizing the lust for violence that belies his grateful and gentle nature, he will be doing all he can to kick 2025 off in a winning fashion. “My opponent’s pro record is brilliant. He also has experience in amateur fights. I have seen his competition. He is a flexible boxer, but I have made sufficient preparations,” he concluded. “I am very honored to participate in this competition. I am very grateful to my team for giving me such a precious opportunity. It will be a great night. I will focus on my fight and do my best.”
Quotes from Runqi Zhou were translated and provided by manager Tony Tolj.
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