Chinese boxers target three golds

China have three opportunities to win their first ever boxing gold after two semi-final victories and a bye for super-heavyweight Zhang Zhilei.

Light flyweight Zou Shiming outclassed Ireland's Paddy Barnes 15-0, although Barnes hit out at the judging.

Light-heavyweight Zhang Xiaoping sweated out a narrow win over Yerkebulan Shynaliyev of Kazakhstan.

Zhang also advanced by walkover when Vyacheslav Glazkov of Ukraine dropped out with a sprained elbow.

Chinese fans have expected Zou to win their first boxing gold since he took bronze in 2004.

"This time I am fighting at home," Zou said after his semi-final bout. "I will win. I will get a gold medal."

Russia's 11-man team began the tournament expecting to dominate but just two boxers - lightweight Alexey Tishchenko and heavyweight Rakhim Chakhkiev - will fight for gold medals.

But Cuba exceeded most expectations with eight medals and four semi-final winners.

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