BY BRENDON SMITH – JACK ASIS FACES a huge test and a huge opportunity in his ring return next month. The former IBO World Champion will face Chinese superstar Xu Can in Shanghai on April 22 in a twelve round dual title fight. Xu will defend his WBA International super featherweight title and Asis will put his Brayd Smith WUC title on the line.
The blockbuster fight was finalised in Toowoomba over the weekend with Xu Can’s promoter Liu Gang flying to the Garden City to crunch the deal.
“This is a massive fight,” Asis’ trainer/manager Brendon Smith said.
“Xu Can is ranked number two in the WBA rankings and is closing in on a title fight with WBA World Champion Jason Sosa and WBA super champion Jezreel Corrales.
“Jack Asis, was the IBO World title holder and in his most recent bout lost a close decision to Malcolm Klassen in South Africa – and the legitimacy of Jack Asis, was the IBO World title holder and in his most recent bout lost a close decision to Malcolm Klassen in South Africa – and the legitimacy of Klassen’s victory remains in question after he was investigated for alleged performance enhancing drugs charges.
“Both fighters are proven elite World class boxers.
“This bout will be in front of a huge audience in Shanghai China on April 22 on one of Liu Gang’s cards.
“Liu is the biggest promoter in Asia and this show will attract World wide attention.
“This is a massive opportunity for Jack
Xu Can is well known to Australian fight fans. He’s fought three Aussie boxers for three wins.
He’s the only man to defeat Toowoomba’s Commonwealth Champion Kris George and one of only two boxers to defeat the Gold Coast’s Corey McConnell.
“Xu Can is one of the biggest names in China,” Liu Gang said.
“He’s on track to become China’s second ever boxing World champion.
“He’s currently ranked number two in the WBA and a win over an opponent of the calibre of Jack Asis will hopefully put him to the mandatory challenger position for the title.
“I know Jack very well, I have seen him fight before and he’s a World class opponent.
“He’s a former World champion and will definitely be Xu Can’s toughest opponent to date.
“I’m also very proud to have the Brayd Smith WUC title on my show.
“It’s a huge honour.
“This is a champion vs champion showdown – may the best man win.”
The bout is a golden ticket for Jack Asis to catapult himself right back into World title contention. After a brief retirement Asis has been back in the gym in readiness for an opportunity. Now he doesn’t want to let the opportunity pass him by.
“This is a very big chance for me,” Asis said.
“Xu Can is number two in the World, if I can beat him and win his WBA International title that will put me in the WBA ratings and one fight away from a shot at the World title.
“Thank you to my trainer manager Brendon Smith and Mr Liu Gang for giving me this opportunity.
“Xu Can is a very good fighter and I need to be my best to beat him.
“I will work hard in the gym and prepare well and give myself the best opportunity to win.
“This fight is also very special to me for three reasons
This fight is also very special to me for three reasons.
“Firstly I’m defending my Brayd Smith WUC title, secondly the bout is on Brayd’s birthday and thirdly it will be my first fight since becoming an Australian citizen.
“I’m ready to go mate.”