Chinese world champion boxer Xu Can will face a critical test on August 15 as he defends his International Boxing Organization (IBO) international super featherweight title against France's Jaouad Belmehdi in Beijing. The M23 boxing club, Xu's promoter, confirmed the highly anticipated match this week, marking a pivotal moment for Asian boxing.
Xu, who became the third boxer from the Chinese mainland to win a major international title in 2019, reflected on his journey: "I have experienced defeats, setbacks, and doubts. But the unwavering support from my fans keeps me going." His 2019 victory over Jesus Rojas for the World Boxing Association featherweight belt cemented his status as a trailblazer, though he lost the title to England's Leigh Wood in 2021. Xu reclaimed momentum last December with a technical knockout (TKO) win against Jhonatan Arenas to secure the IBO belt.
Belmehdi, 27, poses a formidable challenge with a 23-1-3 record and 11 knockouts. Xu acknowledged his opponent's strength: "Defending a title is harder than winning it. Belmehdi is a worthy adversary—I’m preparing thoroughly." The French contender currently ranks second in his national super featherweight category.
The Beijing bout highlights Asia's growing influence in global boxing and offers investors and sports analysts insights into China's thriving combat sports industry. For the Asian diaspora and sports enthusiasts, Xu’s journey symbolizes resilience and regional pride, blending athletic ambition with cultural significance.
