Mark Butcher

SecondsOut.com

Zou Shiming and the rise of Macao

By Mark Butcher: For many years, US boxing promoters and sporting entrepreneurs speculated on the gold mine on the other side of the world. The lucrative gambling market in Macao (currently pulling in seven times the revenue of the entire state of Nevada) whispered Eastern promise and China’s extraordinary 1.3 billion population could offer a potential viewing audience like no other. But the Chinese needed one of their own to spark the revolution - this untapped market lacked a superstar.

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Charles Maps The Road Back For Chisora

Interview by Mark Butcher: After the initial, crushing disappointment, Dereck Chisora’s trainer Don Charles is in a philosophical mood following his fighter’s recent withdrawal from the eagerly-anticipated rematch with Tyson Fury and already mapping the Londoner’s road back.

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The irresistible force of Gilberto Ramirez

By Mark Butcher in Macao: Unbeaten super-middleweight Gilberto Ramirez has the irresistible looks of a Latin movie star and power just as disarming. The handsome Mexican has drawn gasps and even applause from Chinese women inside the Venetian Casino ahead of his bout against Junior Talipeau on Saturday. Ramirez also has a habit of leaving his opponents similarly weak-kneed.

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Zou Shiming shining before Champions Of Gold

By Mark Butcher: Amid the hustle and bustle generated by Chinese gamers and thrill-seekers, Top Rank’s latest foray into the South-East Asian boxing market takes place this Saturday with national hero Zou Shiming the focus of the ‘Champions of Gold’ event at the Venetian Casino in Macao. Zou and Guillermo Rigondeaux are finalizing their preparation in a custom gym in the catacombs beneath the cavernous casino away from the prying eyes of passing gamblers.

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Bob Arum and the globalisation of boxing

By Mark G. Butcher in Macao: Something special is happening in Macao. The casino floors of the Venetian Resort are already heaving with South-East Asia’s high and low rollers chasing dreams and distraction. The appetite for gambling is unrivalled here and, where there is a major casino, boxing is never too far away.