Labinot Xhoxhaj to Defend EBU Title Against Mourad Aliev on June 7 in Hamburg

Hamburg, Germany - On June 7, the heavyweight division returns to center stage in Hamburg, Germany, as European Champion Labinot Xhoxhaj 20-0-1 (16 KOs) defends his EBU title against WBC International Silver titleholder Mourad Aliev 13-0 (10 KOs) in a 12-round clash that looks to reignite the sport in one of boxing’s former strongholds.

Promoted by Universum's Ismail Özen and Arena's Ahmet Öner, the bout is being billed as the most important heavyweight fight in Hamburg since the Klitschko era—a statement not made lightly in a city that once hosted Wladimir Klitschko’s bout against David Haye (2011) and Vitali Klitschko’s brutal victory over Shannon Briggs (2010). Now, after a decade of decline, the Hamburg fight scene is being reawakened by two undefeated prospects with everything to fight for.

Aliev’s Ascent

Mourad Aliev, a former French Olympian, enters the ring with momentum and pedigree. The 28-year-old southpaw has not only remained unbeaten in his professional career but has climbed to No. 10 in the WBC world rankings. Known for his footwork, ring IQ, and measured aggression, Aliev’s rise has been steady rather than flashy—but now he gets his first major title opportunity.

“This is a comeback at the highest level—for the city, the sport, and boxing fans across Germany,” said promoter Özen. “After years of insignificant matches, world-class boxing is finally returning to Hamburg.”

Aliev’s last appearance was at Hamburg’s Grand Elysée during the WBC convention—an appearance that was less about fanfare and more about quietly establishing dominance in the division’s second tier. Now, he’s looking to leave no doubt.

Xhoxhaj’s Moment

Labinot Xhoxhaj may not have the amateur background of his opponent, but what he lacks in pedigree, he makes up for in tenacity and grit. The Kosovo-born, Germany-based fighter captured the European title in dramatic fashion last November, stepping in on short notice to face the towering Oleksandr Zakhozhyi in Heidelberg. In that bout, both men hit the canvas—but it was Xhoxhaj who got up, stayed composed, and outlasted his much bigger opponent.

Now, he’s defending his belt in front of a hometown crowd and sees the moment as the culmination of years of sacrifice.

“On June 7, 2025, in Hamburg, one of the most important fights of my career will take place,” Xhoxhaj said on social media. “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.”

With 20 wins and a draw on his record, Xhoxhaj has quietly built himself into one of the most dependable and disciplined fighters in Europe. His appeal isn’t built on flash or flair—it’s built on blood and resolve.

High Stakes and Heavy Pressure

This fight is more than just a clash of styles—it's a collision of trajectories. Aliev, a sharp southpaw with Olympic-level polish, wants to announce himself as a future world-level player. Xhoxhaj, a grinder with title experience, wants to prove he belongs in the conversation.

At stake are not just two belts—the EBU European Championship and the WBC International Silver Title—but also potential positioning for a future world title eliminator. With the IBF, WBA, and WBC all shuffling their rankings, a breakout performance on June 7 could put the winner just a few steps away from global contention.

What to Expect

This bout will likely be dictated by tempo and composure. Aliev's movement and southpaw angles will give him early control, but Xhoxhaj's pressure and commitment to bodywork could turn the tide in the middle rounds. If Aliev manages to maintain his discipline and range, he may box his way to a clear decision. But if Xhoxhaj can drag the fight into close quarters and force his will, he has the grit to pull off a statement win.

Expect a tense, tactical battle—with momentum swings and emotional moments in front of a passionate Hamburg crowd.

No matter who emerges victorious, Hamburg will have witnessed something it hasn’t seen in years: a meaningful, world-level heavyweight contest in its own backyard.