CHINESE flyweight star Zou Shiming had no trouble with his teenage opponent in New York, outclassing Jozsef Atjai of Hungary to set up some bigger fights.

    One of China’s most popular athletes, the 35-year-old Zou was making his U.S. debut.

    The two-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time world champion was in such control through the 10 rounds that he was smirking and sticking out his chin at his opponent in the later stages.

    He beat Atjai 100-89 on all three cards to improve his record to 8-1 as a pro. That includes a loss in his only world title attempt, to Annat Ruenroeng for the IBF flyweight crown in March 2015.

    Atjai (15-3) didn’t look like a man in his fourth fight this year. He had plenty of energy, but applied it to running, not boxing.

    “My competitor’s objective was to stand to the last minute of the fight,” Zou said. “He was afraid of the competition.”

    Zou’s win Saturday will boost his stardom in China even more, according to Ye Chen, part of Shenzhen Media Group in China that broadcasted the fight back to Zou’s homeland.

    Ye said Chinese boxing fans desperately want Zou to win a world title, and with the victory Saturday, Zou will be one step closer.

    About 600,000 people watched the fight on LeTV through mobile, desktop and television.

    Zou said in a pre-match interview that he only dreamed of fighting at the Garden, a place where his idol, Muhammad Ali, fought as well.

    “I will do my best to show myself and also for Muhammad Ali,’’ Zou said.

    Zou won a bronze and two gold medals at the last three Olympics. He won his first six pro fights, building momentum that many fans thought would lead to big matches in Las Vegas and New York.

    But a March 2015 loss to Amnat Ruenroeng of Thailand stalled his progress.

    (SD-Agencies)