IBF No.1 contender Meng Fanlong has the boxing acumen to defeat the light-heavyweight division’s big-punching elite, according to new promoter Garry Jonas of Probox Promotions.
A distinguished amateur, southpaw Meng (16-0, 10 KOs) represented China in the London 2012 Olympics and two World Amateur Championships. He is next in line for a title tilt against WBC and IBF champion Artur Beterbiev (16-0, 16 KOs), one of most feared hitters in boxing.
But the Florida-based Jonas, who has just signed Meng to a long-term promotional deal, insists the Chinese 175-pounder can swim in the division’s deepest waters.
“Meng is no doubt one of the best light-heavyweights in the world. He’s dedicated, focused and very professional,” said Jonas. “His ability to box is going to be the key to him beating some of the big punchers in the division.
“I’m excited to see how he performs when given the chance and how well China will support him. it should all play out in the next six to nine months.”
Meng dreams of popularising boxing in his native China by claiming a professional world title belt like countrymen Zou Shiming, Xu Can and Xiong Chaozhong. New promoter Jonas will now seek to dip into the promising but largely untapped Chinese market with the unbeaten light-heavyweight contender from Chifeng.
“I came to America to bring a major championship belt home to China,” said the 33-year-old Meng. “It is my dream to bring professional boxing to China the way Yao Ming brought the NBA to China.
“We’ve seen Probox Promotions’ plans and are confident [Jonas] will execute them. Being able to be on US and Chinese platforms at the same time is clearly what’s best for my career.
“The international approach he is taking with Probox is going to take my career to a new level.”
Main image: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing.