APB WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS:
On Sunday night, the Foshan Nanhai Gymnasium in Foshan, China hosts the APB World Championship Matches, as Bantamweight (56 kg) Champion Khedafi Djelkhir (FRA) defends his title against Jiawei Zhang (CHI).
Boxing fans around the world can view this historic event from 19:10 (GMT +8) on https://www.youtube.com/user/AIBAproboxingTV and the event will also be broadcasted by Guizhou TV, Shenzhen TV Sports Channel and LeTV.
Djelkhir entered APB with a tremendous amount of expectation on his shoulders after earning a silver medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, while he also amassed a perfect 16-0 record inside the professional boxing ring.
His best performances have been saved for APB, where his early triumphs over Yoni Blanco (VEN) and Robenilson Vieira De Jesus (BRA) symbolised the special talent he possesses.
After becoming the final APB Inaugural Champion last February following a brilliant victory over Alberto Melian (ARG), Djelkhir catapulted his already amazing career towards a completely new level.
Zhang represents the biggest challenge of Djelkhir’s APB career so far however, but though he will be fighting in enemy territory, the Champion is unperturbed regarding the situation.
“I don’t see any issue with that,” he says. “I have total confidence that the decision will be fair if it goes to the end.
“Zhang is a good boxer, I saw him during Cycle I, but I will defeat him because I will be stronger.”
A two-time Asian Games silver medalist, Zhang began his APB career with two defeats from his first three matches, before an exceptional run of form catapulted the Chinese star into the world title picture.
Cycle I victories over Benson Gicharu Njangiru (KEN) and Alberto Melian (ARG) showcased his versatility and resilience inside the ring, and he will look to utilise both of those attributes on Sunday night.
This will represent the first time either fighter has boxed over 12 rounds, and though Djelkhir has the experience in fighting over a longer round format, Zhang did not struggle at any point during his eight round bout with Melian.
The 26-year-old Chinese contender is equally excited at the opportunity to compete in front of home fans, which he believes will increase his chances of claiming the title.
“Fighting in China makes me more excited, and I believe this will help me to perform better.
“In my daily training, all my preparation is based on competing over 12 rounds, and I am focusing on specific training to compete with Djelkhir.”
Each round should produce fireworks, as both men are attacking fighters who also possess plenty of technical ability.
Djelkhir is blessed with solid power and a wickedly fast left hook, while Zhang’s body punching and movement will be sure to test the defence of his opponent.
Expect plenty of ebbs and flows throughout the contest, which has the potential to be one of the most spectacular APB World Championship Matches.
Three further matches will take place on the undercard, including Jiabin Huang (CHI) vs Yanhui Huang (CHI), Taximaimaiti Haishaer (CHI) vs Youba Sissokho Ndiaye (ESP) and Quan Yang vs Ariunbold Ganselem (MGL).
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