Labinot Xhoxhaj retains European heavyweight title against Mourad Aliev

Labinot Xhoxhaj retains his EBU belt and collects the WBC International Silver strap

The Universum Gym in Hamburg, Germany, witnessed unbeaten Kosovon Labinot Xhoxhaj (21-0-1, 16 KOs) defeat the "White Wolf" Mourad Aliev (13-1, 10 KOs) by unanimous decision on June 7th, 2025.

The heavyweight championship contest was scored 115-113, 114-113, and 115-112 in favour of Xhoxhaj.

In addition to winning the WBC International Silver title, he successfully defended the EBU European Heavyweight title for the first time.

Following his victory, the 32-year-old Labinot issued the following statement, “After 12 hard-fought rounds, I remain undefeated in the EBU version and am now the new WBC International Silver Champion. This is not only my victory, but that of everyone who believed in me from day one. Thank you to my family, who has supported me every step of the way, both on difficult days and in the most beautiful moments.

“Thank you to my team, coaches, and close staff who worked day and night for this moment. A huge thank you to the sponsors who supported me and believed in my journey. To my compatriots around the world: I felt your hearts in every second of this fight! And above all, to my Albanian nation: this victory carries with it the pride, strength, and spirit of an entire people who never give up! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything. Together we have so much to achieve. This is just the beginning.”

Labinot Xhoxhaj is currently ranked WBC #18, but by taking Aliev's title, he could now replace him as WBC #10 in next month's updated rankings.