"There are no Chinese people here, " Mr. Zou correctly observed, according to Mr. Arum.

WSJ: 'Fists of Gold' Zou Shiming Boxing Match Fires Up China

Mr. Zou proved them right, winning gold for China in both the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.

WSJ: 'Fists of Gold' Zou Shiming Boxing Match Fires Up China

In an interview, Mr. Zou was humble but focused as he talked about his ambitions.

WSJ: 'Fists of Gold' Zou Shiming Boxing Match Fires Up China

Mr. Zou's professional debut has been a cultural exchange for both the boxer and his promoter.

WSJ: 'Fists of Gold' Zou Shiming Boxing Match Fires Up China

Roach had high praise for Mr. Zou's speed, timing, and sense of distance.

WSJ: 'Fists of Gold' Zou Shiming Boxing Match Fires Up China

But all eyes in China will be on Mr. Zou, who fights in the flyweight class, which is between 108-112 pounds.

WSJ: 'Fists of Gold' Zou Shiming Boxing Match Fires Up China

Mr. Arum said he doesn't plan to teach Mr. Zou the trash-talking skills that some of his U.S. boxing counterparts have mastered.

WSJ: 'Fists of Gold' Zou Shiming Boxing Match Fires Up China

In 1996 Mr. Zou became a member of Guizhou province boxing team.

WSJ: 'Fists of Gold' Zou Shiming Boxing Match Fires Up China

In preparation for this weekend's debut, Mr. Arum in February sent Mr. Zou to study in the U.S. with boxing maestro Freddie Roach.

WSJ: 'Fists of Gold' Zou Shiming Boxing Match Fires Up China

When asked what kind of boxer nickname he might adopt, Mr. Zou said he hoped fans would decide for themselves after seeing him fight.

WSJ: 'Fists of Gold' Zou Shiming Boxing Match Fires Up China

"Such is the demographics of China, " he said, predicting that more than 200 million homes in the world's most populous country will tune in to see Mr. Zou, who, at 31 years of age, is a gray beard in terms of a fighter making his pro debut.

WSJ: 'Fists of Gold' Zou Shiming Boxing Match Fires Up China