TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's boxing hopes rest on veteran fighter Huang Hsiao-wen (黃筱雯) as the 2025 World Boxing Championships commenced Thursday (Sept. 4) with over 500 athletes from 60 countries competing. World Boxing (世界拳擊聯盟), the sport's governing body, launched its inaugural championships since gaining International Olympic Committee recognition. Huang faces Japan's 20-year-old rising star Korin Kokufu (國府縞鈴) in a pivotal opening match that could set Taiwan's tournament trajectory.
Huang celebrated her 28th birthday on Saturday (Aug. 31) before undergoing intensive training in South Korea to prepare for this championship bout. Coach Liu Tsung-tai (劉宗泰) noted that Huang's fighting style has evolved significantly, emphasizing that her chances of winning are higher with continuous aggressive attacks. Kokufu, alongside her sister, made history last year by winning different weight class titles at the All-Japan Boxing Championships.
Huang will face Mongolia's Yesugen Oyuntsetseg in the second round if she advances past Kokufu. The two fighters last met in the WB Year-End Championship, where Huang triumphed 4-1 in a decisive victory. The Taiwanese team also includes male boxers Lai Chu-en (賴主恩), Kan Chia-wei (甘家葳), Joe Hsu (許喬鈞), and Lin Yu (林囿), as well as female boxers Kuo I-hsuan (郭怡萱), Wu Shih-yi (吳詩儀), and Chen Nien-chin (陳念琴).
Lai will compete against the Philippines' Junmilardo Ogayre in the 60-kilogram category, facing formidable international competition. Coach Lo Shang-ts'e (羅尚策) acknowledged the high level of competition, stating that this world championship features top athletes worldwide, presenting a significant challenge for Taiwan's boxing contingent. The tournament represents a crucial test for Taiwan's boxing development on the global stage. ◼