Labinot Xhoxhaj to Defend European Title Against Pezhman Seifkhani

Lahr, Germany - Labinot Xhoxhaj will defend his European heavyweight title on February 14 in Lahr, Germany, taking on Sweden’s Pezhman Seifkhani in what amounts to a critical consolidation fight for the reigning champion.

Xhoxhaj 21-0-1 (16 KOs), originally from Kosovo and now based in Lahr, has quietly put together one of the more surprising European title runs in recent years. Still viewed as something of an outsider, he upset the odds to win the EBU title and followed it with a successful first defense — results that earned respect, if not yet widespread recognition.

This second defense, however, comes with a different expectation.

Seifkhani 17-1 (12 KOs) is solid, durable, and experienced at championship distance, but on paper this is the type of opponent a reigning European champion is expected to handle. For Xhoxhaj, the task is not merely to retain the belt, but to do so clearly.

An Outsider Who Keeps Beating the Odds

Xhoxhaj’s rise has been built on upsetting expectations rather than dominating headlines. He captured the European title with a shock victory over previously unbeaten Oleksandr Zakhozhyi, surviving early trouble before turning the fight in his favor down the stretch. He then confirmed that result was no fluke by edging another unbeaten favorite, Mourad Aliev, in a rough, demanding first defense.

Those two wins established Xhoxhaj as a legitimate European-level operator — physically tough, mentally composed, and comfortable fighting under pressure. They also reinforced a familiar pattern: he is often underestimated, and he is comfortable winning fights that are difficult, physical, and tactically uncomfortable.

Still, his status remains fragile. Xhoxhaj holds the belt, but he does not yet command the perception that typically comes with it.

Seifkhani: Solid Challenger, Real Opportunity

Seifkhani enters as a credible challenger rather than a marquee threat. The Swedish heavyweight earned his title shot with a 12-round win over Eduardo Giustini last April, showing patience and composure over the championship distance. Bigger and longer than Xhoxhaj, Seifkhani will look to impose structure, control range, and turn the fight into a measured contest rather than the scrappy battles Xhoxhaj has thrived in.

While Seifkhani has rebounded well from his lone career loss, he arrives in Lahr knowing this is a step up — and likely his clearest path to relevance. A win here would flip the entire narrative overnight.

What’s Really at Stake

For Xhoxhaj, this fight is about progression, not survival.

A convincing win would likely nudge him toward the edges of the global top 30, moving him out of the “good European story” category and onto the broader heavyweight radar. It would also strengthen his hand when it comes time to ask for something more meaningful — a recognizable former contender or a higher-profile prospect.

A narrow or messy victory, however, risks stalling momentum. At this stage, Xhoxhaj doesn’t need drama; he needs authority.

Seifkhani, meanwhile, carries none of that burden. He can afford to take risks, push the pace, and gamble on disrupting the champion’s rhythm. For him, this is not a consolidation fight — it’s a potential breakthrough.

The Bottom Line

Xhoxhaj has already proven he belongs at European level. This defense is about proving he’s moving beyond it.

If he handles Seifkhani with control and clarity on home soil, the conversation changes — slowly, but meaningfully. The belt stays around his waist either way, but only a strong performance opens the door to something bigger.