Zou Shiming decides to turn professional, signs with Top Rank

Chinese light flyweight Zou Shiming, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, has decided to turn pro at age 31, signing with Top Rank.

Arum had this to say at a presser in Beijing:

"We at Top Rank will make every effort to make certain that he has a spectacular career as a professional boxer."

Shiming won the gold in Beijing in 2008, and again in 2012 in London. In London, it should be said, Shiming did look like he'd lost a step compared to '08, and was fortunate to get the nod in the gold medal match against Thailand's Kaeo Pongprayoon. The decision, a 13-10 score for Shiming, was heavily booed by the fans in attendance. He also got to that fight with a 15-15 countback win over Ireland's Paddy Barnes, and Cuba's Yosbany Veitia gave the veteran all he could handle, too.

Still, Shiming is a talented fighter, and Arum has seemed anxious to get into promoting fights in China, which this should open up for him. Shiming is scheduled to make his pro debut on April 6 in Macau. Can Shiming have the sort of quick pro impact that Guillermo Rigondeaux has had?