Ten Years After Winning the Gold Belt, Xu Can Embarks on a “New Battle”
World boxing champion Xu Can’s International Boxing Event Center officially opened on the 5th in Beichen District, on the outskirts of Tianjin.
The opening ceremony was brief and low-key, without grand celebrations or celebrity appearances, yet the center’s ambitions are far-reaching—to establish China’s own “boxing holy land,” nurture more Chinese boxing champions, and ignite the passion for professional boxing in the country.
Spanning 6,000 square meters, Xu Can’s International Boxing Event Center is one of the largest boxing venues in China. It features a professional training gym, fitness equipment areas, rehabilitation therapy rooms, a live broadcast viewing hall, a nutrition-focused dining area for athletes, and dormitory buildings, integrating training, accommodation, competition, and daily life under one roof.
“Ten years ago, in 2015, I won my first gold belt. Today, I’m ready to fight for the next decade,” Xu Can said.
This new battle is no easier than winning a championship belt.
As a professional boxer, Xu Can understands the struggles faced by domestic fighters. “In 2024, China hosted just over 40 professional matches, while Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall alone held more than 80. When our fighters wait a year without a single match, their fists aren’t filled with power—they’re filled with frustration.”
Xu Can reflected on his global career, stating that what he envies most isn’t the cheers from opponents’ home crowds but the supportive ecosystem behind them. “With our own event center, we’ll light up China’s boxing ring and make judges and champions worldwide listen to our cheers. This is our home ground. We’re not just hosting matches—we’re growing the roots of Chinese boxing. We’re nurturing not just champions but a respected Chinese boxing market.”
To Xu Can, market influence equals bargaining power. As more Chinese fans engage with boxing, the confidence of Chinese fighters on the international stage will grow.
Accordingly, the center plans to host frequent events, ensuring monthly competitions to normalize the sport. On July 6, its inaugural event, “Boundary Break 001,” will debut with six high-level boxing matches.
“We have a professional venue, exciting matches, and cost-effective strategies—including cultivating paid viewership. I believe we’ll not only survive but thrive, and China’s boxing market will flourish,” Xu Can expressed with confidence.
Beyond events and market growth, the center prioritizes talent development. With champion-level coaches and top-tier facilities, it offers comprehensive training, accommodation, and nutrition services.
“China’s boxing talent pipeline has significantly declined,” Xu Can noted. Registered professional boxers once exceeded 1,000 but have dwindled to just over 100 in recent years.
“Without a strong base of boxing enthusiasts, how can we produce world champions?” Xu Can’s next mission is to inspire more people to embrace boxing and step into the ring.
The road ahead is long. Whether nurturing talent or building a market, the process will be arduous, but “someone has to take the first step.”
