On August 15, Beijing’s renowned arena will host a blockbuster match as Chinese world champion Xu Can steps back into the ring to defend his IBO international super featherweight title against France’s rising star Jaouad Belmehdi.
At 30, Xu Can has fought roller-coaster bouts: he soared to global fame in January 2019, outpointing Jesus Rojas at Houston’s Toyota Center to clinch the World Boxing Association featherweight belt. He became the third boxer from the Chinese mainland to win a major international title, following Zou Shiming and Zhang Zhilei. Xu successfully defended that crown twice before England’s Leigh Wood stopped him by TKO in July 2021.
Undeterred, Xu Can recalibrated his career and landed back on top in December last year, scoring a TKO victory over Jhonatan Arenas in Nassau to capture the vacant IBO international super feather belt. “The unwavering support and encouragement from my fans have kept the fire within me burning brightly,” he says.
Looking ahead to his August showdown, Xu openly acknowledges the challenge Belmehdi presents. The 27-year-old French boxer boasts a 23-1-3 record with 11 knockouts and ranks second in France’s super feather category. “Defending a title is even more difficult than winning it in the first place. My opponent is a worthy adversary, and I’m leaving nothing to chance,” Xu adds confidently.
As fight night approaches, boxing fans around the world are set for an electrifying clash that blends Xu Can’s veteran resilience with Belmehdi’s knockout power. Will the champion maintain his reign, or will the challenger make history? Mark your calendars for August 15 in Beijing and prepare for a night of high-stakes action.
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Xu Can to defend IBO international super feather belt against Belmehdi
cgtn.com
