Chinese boxer Zhang Chunyu aims to rematch with Thai boxer legend

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By CGTN's Mu Dan

Three rounds separated Chinese fighter Zhang Chunyu from claiming his second title of the year over the weekend. He defeated three-time Ukraine Kick Boxing Championship and five-time National Thai Boxing championship Nikokoshev Dmytro at the Beijing Combat Belt&Road fighting tournament.

Despite the resounding victory, Zhang hopes to bring down another competitor inside the ring.

Zhang Chunyu celebrates his victory at the Beijing Combat Belt&Road fighting tournament. /CGTN Photo

The 22-year-old fighter from central China’s Henan Province was born into a family of martial artists and picked up traditional martial arts from his father.

Zhang, who started training as the young age of seven, stepped into the fighting ring for his first professional event in 2009.

His brother Zhang Chenglong, who is five years younger, also followed suit.

“I am proud of him, and I think he’ll be definitely better than me in the future,” Zhang said speaking about his teenage brother.

Zhang Chunyu (L) and his little brother Zhang Chenglong (C). /CGTN Photo

The father, who was the inspiration for Zhang to put on the boxing gloves, still cannot endure watching his son in action. After having watched one bout of Zhang Chunyu, the father said he would never do it again.

Zhang’s career experienced ups and downs and nearly came to a premature end after suffering a fractured arm which forced him out of competitions for a year and half.

He thought about going into business, despite still having hope of resuming fighting. But his coach He Liming reeled him back and encouraged him to get back on track.

The young man’s career has gone from strength to strength since.

Coach He Liming (L), Nine-ball champion Pan Xiaoting (C) and Zhang Chunyu (R). /CGTN Photo

When Kunlun Jue, a Chinese kickboxing fighting event platform, was held in Belarus in September 2014, Zhang faced Thai boxing legend Buakaw Banchamek.

He managed three bouts but eventually lost. The high-profile match, while not bringing Zhang any titles, did bring him a slew of invitations for future fights.

Years into the sport, Zhang has now an open mind towards winning.

“Everyone wants to win. But when you are at the beginning of (your) fighting career, it doesn’t matter if you win or lose because no one is paying attention to you. When you rise to fame, people will care about the result. They don’t know how you are like off the court, what they care about is only the result. "

Zhang says his goal is to compete with Buakaw again before the 34-year-old Thai boxer legend retires.

38km