HOUSTON: Chinese boxer Xu Can is going to challenge World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight world champion Jesus Rojas of Puerto Rico on Saturday in Houston, Texas, the United States.
According to Xinhua news agency the fight will be held at the Toyota Centre in Houston, the home court for National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise Houston Rockets.
Before leaving for the United States last December, Xu said in Beijing that he was ready for the fight.
“Since I learned that I can challenge for a golden belt, I am telling myself I can,” said the 24-year-old.
“I believe I can bring this golden belt back to China,” Xu added.
Born in China’s Jiangxi Province, Xu started his professional boxing training at the age of 16. He has a record of 15 wins, including two KOs, and two defeats.
He is currently the highest-ranking Chinese boxer in the featherweight (57.15kg)) division, according to boxing stats (statistics) website boxrec.com.
Xu has been training with famed coach Pedro Diaz in Miami since January 11. Before his trip to the United States, Xu trained with Filipino boxing star Genesis Servania at Beijing’s M23 boxing club.
Seven Chinese boxers have bidded for the world title, but only Xiong Chaozhong and Zou Shiming ever succeeded.
If Xu wins in the upcoming fight, he will be the youngest Chinese boxer winning the golden belt. – Bernama
