Chinese boxer Zou Shiming lifts WBO flyweight world title

Zou Shiming (L) of China celebrates after defeating Prasitak Phaprom of Thailand in a WBO flyweight title boxing match in Las Vegas, the United States, Nov. 5, 2016. (Xinhua/Yang Lei)

LAS VEGAS, Nov.6 -- Two-time Olympic gold medalist Zou Shiming from China won a unanimous decision against Thai boxer Prasitsak Phaprom to be crowned the WBO flyweight world champion here on Saturday night.

"My dream is realized and all the hard work paid off. I didn't really feel pressure. I felt calm and relaxed throughout the bout. I am an Olympic gold medalist and now I'm a world champion," the 35-year-old Zou said.

Zou failed his first world title attempt when he was defeated in Macao by Amnat Ruenroeng in March 2015 for the IBF title.

It wasn't the first time Zou and Phaprom fought each other as two years ago in Macau Zou defeated Phaprom by unanimous decision. Since that loss to Zou, Phaprom enjoyed a 12-bout winning streak, with all of his victories coming by way of knockout. But Zou dominated the rematch tonight as he landed 347 punches to Phaprom's 107 to win more comprehensively this time.