A former wushu athlete, Zou started boxing at the age of 16 in 1997 and at the 2004 Olympics in Athens won a bronze medal in the light-flyweight division, the first Chinese boxer to stand on the podium at the Games.

In 2005, he won the World Championships in Mianyang, China, again the first Chinese boxer to do so.

He then defended his title at the World Championships in 2007 and a year later claimed the Olympic title.

Zou revealed that he had decided to defend his title in London following a personal appeal from China's President Hu Jintao.

Zou said: "From a nobody to Olympic champion, I owe so much to those who have helped me.

"So when the leader asked me to stay [for the London Games], I could not say no.

"But when I returned to my room, I took a heavy sigh.

"It would take another four years. It will be more difficult when I grow older, for the Olympics and for the pro competition."

Zou now plans to turn professional after London.

He said: "Being a professional boxer was my dream when I started and it is not over yet.

"It's just a few years away.

"If I could step into a professional ring now, I am sure I could win.

"I just need a chance and I hope the day comes soon."

China topped the medals table in Beijing with two golds, a silver and a bronze.

Zou said: "China's boxing has developed very fast over the past decade.

"Now that women's boxing has been added to the Olympics, we hope to repeat our success in London in 2012."

Zou has a unique way of dealing with his opponents.

He said: "I've learned to face the competition in a more light-hearted way.

"I just see my rivals as different kinds of food.

"Some are chocolate, some fruit and my job is to eat them one by one."