The IBF’s top light heavyweight contender Meng Fanlong and former world champion Jean Pascal are set to share the ring on May 20, 2022 in Plant City, Florida.
“I’m so excited to get back in the ring and face former world champion Jean Pascal on May 20,” Fanlong told Boxing Scene.
“This fight is so unique for a lot of different reasons. It’s my first time as the main event fighter. It’s the first time I face a former world champion, and it’s the first time we will live stream in China so that 1.5 billion people can support [me].”
Fanlong will enter next month’s bout with a record of 17 wins and zero losses with 10 knockouts. While he is next in line to challenge the winner of June’s showdown featuring Artur Beterbiev and Joe Smith Jr., he has not fought a world champion Jean Pascal’s resumé. Pascal has won his last two fights against Marcus Browne and Badou Jack, but he is nearing his 40th birthday and has not fought since 2019. Despite these roadblocks, Pascal remains confident that he can compete for a light heavyweight title.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Pascal told Boxing Scene.
“I’m back with a lot to prove and a fire under my ass. This fight with Meng is a great opportunity for me to get right back where I belong, the top of the division. He’s a good fighter. He’s undefeated for a reason, but he’s never been in with anybody like me.”
Sources: The Sergey Kovalev-Meng Fanlong cruiserweight bout that was agreed to in principle for March 19 is off. After Triller moved date to May 14, Fanlong agreed to a deal for a springtime bout with Jean Pascal. Kovalev could still fight May 14 if Triller can find suitable foe
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) March 8, 2022
