"Amateur boxing in China is a powerhouse," Benis says. "They train two or three hours in themorning, two or three in the evening. They don't' even go to school."

However, "Boxing in China, in terms of following and general participation, is in its infancy".

Bob Arum, CEO and founder of globally leading boxing-promotioncompany Top Rank, says the pastime was popular in the countrybut was banned following New China's 1949 founding. That carvedaway much of its fan base, he says.

Arum believes boxing is poised for a renewal in China with therecent rise of such domestic fighters as Zou Shiming.

"We believe there is a hunger for boxing," Arum says.

"What we found out was that sports are a very nationalistic thing.Boxing is a one-on-one sport. People like rooting for fighters theycan identify from their country."

Arum says Chinese cheered zealously for Zou during his pro debutin Macao in early April.

The rise of such stars has generated more interest in amateurfights.
Green and his competitors underwent arduous two-hour sessions three days a week for threemonths. It was so intense that steam could be seen swirling off Green's head at one point.

Their preparations include weight training, physical conditioning and boxing techniques.