Chinese boxer Xu Can

Failure to defending a world title in 2021 sent Chinese boxer Xu Can into a slump, with skepticism growing after he did no field in competitive fights in the following year.

Now 31, Xu, also known by the moniker "The Monster," has been battling his way back to prominence with his trademark fast punching style.

A triumphant defense of his IBO International Super-Featherweight title on Friday against Jaouad Belmehdi of France, a world top-60 player, has brought Xu closer to bagging a world title once again.

"It was the most grueling preparation for a fight in my career," Xu told the Global Times after the demanding 12-round fight, from which he emerged with a bruise on the right side of his forehead and sweat-soaked hair. "I'm very satisfied with the result. I give myself 100 out of 100 points as I gave everything in this fight."

Even his opponent Belmehdi, a 27-year-old fighter who is known for his long reach and explosive power, acknowledged Xu's resurgence.

"Xu was the champion of the world. He's like a tank, pushing me back all the time," Belmehdi told reporters after the IBO International Super-Featherweight competition with Xu. "I don't box just for the show. I box for the big challenge like tonight. Boxing against Xu was an honor."

But with this win, Xu anticipates rising in the IBO's super featherweight rankings, potentially into the top 15, to earn a shot at battling current IBO super featherweight world champion Anthony Cacace of Ireland. 

"If the opportunity comes (of challenging Cacace directly), I'll take it," he said with steadfast intent," he said. "If not, I'll fight someone else (before fighting Cacace). Opportunities must be earned rather than given." 

Cacace defended his title with a technical knockout over Leigh Wood in May. It is Wood who defeated Xu to take over the WBA featherweight world title in 2021.

Unlike boxing's "Big Four" sanctioning bodies WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO, the IBO is comparably a minor organization that recognizes only one champion per weight class.

Clear ambition

Xu has set his goal of becoming the first Chinese boxer to win world titles in two different weight divisions.

"This has always been my goal," Xu told the Global Times. 

"I'm not just saying it. I'm truly committed to making it happen," Xu declared firmly.

For Xu, the victory in Beijing is not only about defending an international title, but also a redemption for himself. 

Once considered past his prime, Xu is now seen as a matured and resilient fighter. 

From high-flying WBA champion to doubted underdog, his arc embodies a powerful narrative of a comeback forged through pain and perseverance.

To understand the significance of this moment, one must trace Xu's path back to his peak. 

In early 2019, he electrified the boxing world by defeating Jesus Rojas in Houston, the US, to capture the WBA featherweight world title. 

He then defended that title twice - once in his hometown of Fuzhou in East China's Jiangxi Province against Shun Kubo of Japan via a sixth-round TKO, and later in the US against Manny Robles III by unanimous decision. 

However, the momentum faltered. Struggles during the pandemic, interrupted training, and physical wear and tear saw Xu lose his title in 2021 to Wood in the UK via a late TKO. 

This was followed by two consecutive losses - a split decision to Brandon Benitez of Mexico in 2022, and inactivity due to injury - pushing Xu into a career-low period.

"When I suffered the two consecutive losses, my mindset was really terrible. The doubts against me really made me frustrated. I couldn't understand why they would say those things about me when I had already worked so hard," Xu recalled.

The psychological blow was so heavy that he even lost confidence at one point and wanted to give up his boxing career, said Lu Xiaolong, promoter of M23 boxing club to which Xu is affiliated. 

However, Xu said he couldn't let go of his family, friends, and fans who supported him, nor could he abandon the enduring dream in his heart.

"As time passed, I realized that I need to stay focused on my own journey. I'm not just fighting for my personal dreams, I'm fighting for the future of Chinese professional boxing," Xu said. "I want to set an example for the young boxers coming up through the ranks."

On path to revive

In late 2024, Xu shook off the rust in a bold move to the Bahamas, where he battled and won Jhonatan Arenas for the vacant IBO International super featherweight title. 

As the only active Chinese boxer who has won a world title after the retirement of former WBC mini-flyweight world champion Xiong Chaozhong and WBO flyweight world champion Zou Shiming, respectively, the expectations on Xu have also reemerged.

"Compared to before, I am a much calmer fighter now. I know exactly what I want, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to achieve my goals," Xu said.

"Now, I fight not just for myself, but for the kids who want to chase this dream," Xu said. "I want to set an example for young Chinese boxers and show that with perseverance, anything is possible."

Chinese boxer Xu Can in action during the bout against Jaouad Belmehdi of France on August 15, 2025 in Beijing Photos on this page: Chen Tao/GT