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Xhoxhaj-Aliev: Heavyweight boxing returns to Hamburg as Klitschko memories return
Hamburg is set to host a major boxing event as Mourad Aliev, the WBC International Silver Champion, takes on Germany-based EBU European Champion Labinot Xhoxhaj on June 7.
The bout, scheduled for 12 rounds, will mark a significant return of elite heavyweight boxing to the city.
Promoted by Universum’s Ismail Özen and Arena’s Ahmet Öner, the fight is being billed as the most important heavyweight contest in Hamburg since the days of the Klitschko brothers.
Öner: “After years of insignificant boxing matches, world-class boxing is finally returning to Hamburg. Since the legendary bouts of the Klitschko brothers, the Hanseatic city has not experienced a comparable showdown—until now.”
Hamburg has previously hosted major boxing events such as – Wladimir Klitschko vs David Haye in 2011 and Vitali Klitschko vs Shannon Briggs in 2010. During the Klitschkos’ reigns as world champions, the city was a hotbed for fights in the heavyweight division. Alexander Povetkin also fought in Hamburg during his title reign, beating former champion Hasim Rahman in two rounds in 2012.
Özen added: “This is a comeback at the highest level. For the city, the sport, and boxing fans across Germany.”
French Olympian, Mourad Aliev (13-0), who holds the WBC International Silver title, will be the mandatory challenger, determined to add the prestigious EBU European title to his list of achievements.
Known for his speed, power, and technical prowess, Aliev has risen through the ranks to number ten with the WBC and is now on the verge of establishing himself as a dominant force in European boxing. His last fight was within Hamburg at the city’s Grand Elysée during last year’s WBC convention.
His opponent, Labinot Xhoxhaj (20-0-1 holds the title after beating the much-bigger Oleksandr Zakhozhyi in November. That fight, in Heidelberg, saw Xhoxhaj come in at last minute and outlast the Ukrainian to claim the EBU title in a match that saw both men hit the canvas.
Xhoxhaj posted to his Instagram declaring this as the biggest fight of his career and implored his fans to support him any way they can.
Xhoxhaj said: “On June 7, 2025, in Hamburg, one of the most important fights of my career will take place. I will defend my European (EBU) Championship title and fight for another major belt—the WBC International Silver Heavyweight title—against a strong, undefeated opponent, Aliev. This challenge is the culmination of many years of sacrifice, sweat, effort, and relentless hard work. I have faced many battles, both inside and outside the ring, but I have never been alone. Behind me, there has always been my family, my coaches, my friends—and you, my people.”
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