Alexis 'The Sleep Walker' Chao was born in Nanjing, and worked in Beijing and Hangzhou before moving to Shanghai, where he is marketing director of German grocery retail company Aldi China. The 35-year-old Libra is also one of the fighters in June 9 Brawl on the Bund (tickets available for purchase here). We caught up with him for some pre-fight rap...
How did you get into boxing?
I started training in a Muay Thai gym in Beijing three years ago. They also offered boxing training, which looked more interesting and sophisticated, so I switched it up. Boxing builds confidence not only my body but my confidence. It’s fun and challenging. There is always room to improve in boxing; the more I train, the improvement is so obvious and therefore so. Boxing is cool, but also about science and the mind. That’s why I love it.
You mentioned you are a Libra. Do Libras make good fighters?
Yes and no. It’s very important to maintain balance in every boxing movement, and obviously Libras are good at that. On the other hand, aggressiveness and being decisive are critical when facing opponent, and sometimes Libras need to think twice when there is chance!
What is your spirit animal?
Pig. I was born in the year of pig, and it represents fortune and prosperity.
Who do you look for for inspiration?
Vasyl Lomachenko! My favorite boxing master. He is southpaw like me. He is fast and accurate, attributes I really admire. And he represents the winning spirit that I pursue.
And your dream boxing match?
Lomachenko vs. Mayweather. I want to know who is the best boxer in the world. I'd want Mayweather to lose, because I’m a big fan of Lomachenko.
Not because Mayweather is a nincompoop, then? Anyway, what is your favorite quote?
"青春作伴好还乡." Which translates as: "With children accompanying, it is good to return to ones hometown." That’s my ideal pace of life, now that I've reached middle age.
Finally, finish this sentence: You should come and watch me in Brawl on the Bund, because…
people call me Uncle Chao now as I am 35 years old and facing so-called 'middle age anxiety'. White collar workers like me in Shanghai are under all kinds of pressure, in some ways sometimes suffocating. I want to prove that boxing can be one way to bring positive energy to my life and mitigate the anxiety. The ultimate enemy is always ourselves.
Buy Tickets to Brawl on the Bund
Brawl on the Bund is a bi-annual charity black-tie boxing event from White Collar Boxing China, which returns June 9 at Hyatt on the Bund, with tickets available for purchase here.
Expect eight bouts between regular Shanghai residents who have trained with professionals for at least three months (you can win a year membership at one of their gyms right here), as well as a four-course meal with free-flow cocktails, wine and beer. This year's event is ultra exclusive, with only 500 seats available, so get in now to avoid disappointment!
Take a look at the full seating chart below:
Funds raised at the event will go towards More Than Aware, a Shanghai-based support club empowering women to be proactive with their health and wellbeing in the prevention and recovery of breast cancer.
You can also book tickets easily from your computer or phone by clicking here, or by scanning the QR code below:
Brawl on the Bund, Jun 9, 6pm-late,Hyatt on the Bund. Buy tickets right here.
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