China's former world boxing champion Xiong Chaozhong vowed to take a world title this year as he prepares to stage a bout in May to decide whether he can challenge the world title holder.
Xiong, 33, currently ranks third in the International Boxing Federation (IBF) mini flyweight ranking and will face eighth-placed Jose Jimenez of Colombia in the IBF world 105-pound (47.6-kilogram) eliminating bout on May 25.
The diminutive boxer, who has 26 wins with 14 knockouts, said Tuesday that he is now in better condition than he was in 2010, when he won the World Boxing Council minimumweight championship.
"I was not skillful in 2010, though I won a world title," Xiong told the Global Times. "I want to deliver my best performance this time to win a world title back and keep it in China."
He added that he wants to rise up again and show his new fighting style in the bout.
The fight will be staged at the traditionally tennis-oriented Diamond Court in Beijing, which has a capacity of 16,000.
Only a win would ensure a chance to challenge the mini flyweight title holder later this year, according to the IBF.
Xiong's fight against Jimenez is part of the IBF Convention, which is set to be statged in Beijing.
The 33rd edition of the convention - the first to be held in an Asian country - will take place in the Chinese capital on May 23-27.
Chinese female boxer Cai Zongju will also appear in an IBF world 105-pound mini flyweight challenger elimination bout. A win for Cai would raise hopes that a Chinese woman could challenge for the IBF mini flyweight title.
2008 super heavyweight boxing Olympic silver medalist Zhang Zhilei will also stage a fight at the tennis court in May, IBF said.
In a marquee match during the convention, IBF world flyweight champion Amnat Ruenroeng of Thailand will face John Casimer in a rematch following his controversial win over the Filipino last year. Ruenroeng is no stranger to Chinese boxing fans after he defended his world title against China's Olympic champion Zou Shiming in Macao last year.