Having wrapped up a breakout year, Xu Can is already on the hunt for bigger game in 2020.
The high-octane featherweight titlist from China scored his third win of 2019, soundly outpointing Manny Robles III (18-1, 8KOs) over 12 rounds Saturday evening at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California. Their DAZN-streamed bout saw Can set a punchstat record, throwing 1,526 punches and landing more than 400 in handing Robles his first loss while defending his title for the second time.
With the win, the 25-year old human windmill is now prepared to take his game to the next level. If he has his way, a unification bout will be in store for his next ring adventure.
“Josh, you called me out, here I am,” Can (18-2, 3KOs) exclaimed in perfect English after his win, referring to England’s unbeaten featherweight titlist Josh Warrington (30-0, 7KOs). “I want to fight (Warrington) next.”
Can claimed his belt in a 12-round punchaton with Jesus Rojas this past January, the two combining for more than 2,600 punches but with Can prevailing in just his second career fight in the United States. Saturday night marked his third stateside fight, with a title defense in China wedged in between.
The charismatic featherweight has already proven a hit in the states. His latest title defense played to a packed crowd in supporting capacity to Rene Alvarado’s title-lifting stoppage win over Andrew Cancio in their rematch, though with more than 400 fans of Chinese descent making the trip from Los Angeles to catch Can in action.
That said, location won’t matter if it means securing the services of Warrington or any other featherweight titlist, including rising young star Shakur Stevenson (13-0, 7KOs) and long-reigning Gary Russell Jr. (30-1, 18KOs).
“Anywhere in the world,” Can insists of where his next ring adventure takes place. “I want to fight the best.”
Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
