Thailand's gold medal hopeful boxer Amnat Ruenroeng says he will use a defensive style when he takes on Chinese favorite Zou Shiming in the 49kg semi-finals Wednesday, Bangkok Post reported.

Amnat, who holds a 1-1 record against the Olympic and Asian Games champion, knows he will have to be at his best to have a chance against the attacking-minded Zou.

"It's risky to exchange punches when you fight a boxer from the host nation," Bangkok Post quoted Amnat who was a quarter-finalist at the Beijing Olympics two years ago, as saying.

"I have to make it difficult for him to score points. I must be very focused and be accurate, and make a good use of my footwork," he added.

Meanwhile, Zou said he did not care what his opponent had said because it might be for psychological reason.

He will only focus on his game plan, Bangkok Post reported.

"We are friends and know each other's style quite well," the Chinese boxer added.

Of the 52 fighters in the semi-finals in 13 divisions, China has 10 representatives, the most among the participating countries while India has proved to be a new boxing powerhouse with nine boxers in the last four rounds.

Thailand is now ranked as the ninth winner in the Guangzhou Games where it has won seven golds, seven silvers and 26 blonzes.

(Xinhua News Agency November 24, 2010)