China's only reigning professional world boxing champion, Xu Can, believes his journey in the ring has only just begun.
Xu, known as "the Monster", successfully defended his WBA featherweight title for the second time with a unanimous decision against American Manny Robles III last month in California.
The 25-year-old threw an astounding 1,562 punches in the fight－a new featherweight record and the sixth-highest total in all divisions, according to CompuBox stats. His blitz was even more impressive given he didn't seem to tire as the fight went on, throwing (125) and landing (46) the most punches in the 12th and final round.
"I didn't know that I did that. My eyes were hit in round eight, so from then on I could barely see him or focus on anything," said Xu at his M23 Boxing Club in Beijing on Monday.
"I got lost in the panic for about 10 seconds. Then I came back."
Xu did indeed regain his composure, steadily wearing down Robles with quick-fire combinations that invariably ended with sharp hooks to Robles' body－a technique he has learned from famed Cuban coach Pedro Diaz.
"I can feel that Pedro has very strong power inside him," said Xu. "He helped me to become a more confident man, to show who I am in the ring."
This new-found confidence is also aiding Xu's preparations. In the past, he was prone to pushing himself too far in training but now tries to limit the self-torture as much as possible.
Xu called out Britain's IBF titleholder Josh Warrington after the Robles victory as the Chinese brawler looks to level up to the more prestigious 'Super' champion category.
2019 has been a whirlwind year for Xu. He became China's first WBA champion by dethroning Jesus Rojas of Puerto Rico by unanimous decision in Houston, Texas.
In May, Xu retained his belt in his hometown of Fuzhou, Jiangxi province, by seeing off Japan's Shun Kubo via technical knockout. November's defense further enhanced Xu's credentials, with his promoter claiming the boxing world has now really taken notice.
"Xu Can is a real man of steel. He has many valuable qualities that you can find in every top professional athlete," said Lu Xiaolong, CEO of Max Power Promotions.
"Maybe it's how the Chinese professional market runs: you need to prove yourself constantly, then the market will eventually admit you and accept you."
