Photos: China’s deliveryman boxer takes the long road to recognition

Zhang Fangyong glances at a photograph of fellow boxer Floyd "Money" Mayweather. The retired American superstar could earn hundreds of millions of dollars from a bout, but China's Zhang sometimes fights for nothing and supports himself by making deliveries on his motorbike. It is Zhang's determination to pursue his career despite numerous obstacles that has won him the hearts of Chinese sports fans and the admiration of the wider public.

Updated on: Jan 17, 2020 8:19 PM IST

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Boxer and food delivery man, Zhang Fangyong, warming up at a boxing gym in Beijing. Unlike his idol Floyd “Money” Mayweather who could earn hundreds of millions of dollars from a bout, Zhang sometimes fights for nothing and supports himself by making deliveries on his motorbike. (Noel Celis / AFP)

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The 26-year-old bantamweight has recovered from losing three of his first four fights to improve his win-loss-draw record to 14-3-1, with three wins by knockout. But it is Zhang’s determination to pursue his career despite numerous obstacles that has won him the hearts of Chinese sports fans and the admiration of the wider public. (Noel Celis / AFP)

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Zhang gears up at a boxing gym in Beijing. His story was part of a recent Chinese government-backed documentary film, “Changing China”, which charts the progress of the world’s most populous country through the stoic battles of ordinary young people trying to get by. (Noel Celis / AFP)

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The good-natured Zhang, who grew up in rural poverty, earns so little from the sport that he has taken on an array of menial jobs to keep his boxing dream alive. He was a security guard but was fired after a few days because he was deemed too small. He also previously worked in a restaurant kitchen, in home removals and construction. (Noel Celis / AFP)

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Zhang checks a tag on the food package before delivering it to a customer in Beijing. His job as a delivery driver, first in the city of Kunming and now in the capital Beijing, comes with its own challenges. (Noel Celis / AFP)

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Zhang’s electric scooter -- bought for 6,000 yuan ($870) thanks to a small loan was stolen while he was delivering a meal. “I chased the person wildly for more than two kilometres but I couldn’t catch up with him,” he said in an interview at Beijing’s M23 Boxing Club. (Noel Celis / AFP)

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Zhang yawns as he checks his phone for orders from customers. Zhang’s determination was forged during a tough childhood. The nearest town was a hike down a mountain from his home, where his mother raised pigs and chickens and sold eggs to keep the family afloat. His father worked away from the village. (Noel Celis / AFP)

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Zhang started out in martial arts but his interest in boxing was piqued when he saw a documentary about the rags-to-riches story of Philippines boxing great Manny Pacquiao. But if he hoped that he could one day earn a fortune to rival Pacquiao’s, he was badly mistaken. (Noel Celis / AFP)

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But what he lacks in talent Zhang makes up for in hand speed, heart and a desire to make his family and supportive girlfriend proud. “What we have to prove is my spirit, my willpower, and that while I may be lacking technically, I will improve,” said Zhang, whose goal is to become an Asian champion. (Noel Celis / AFP)