Chen Nien-chin to fight 2-time Olympic medalist in World Boxing Cup

Taipei, March 31 (CNA) Taiwanese boxer Chen Nien-chin (陳念琴) is scheduled to go up against two-time Olympic medalist Beatriz Soares in the opening bout of the World Boxing Cup, which is set to kick off in Brazil on Monday.

Chen, competing in the 65-kilogram division, is one of four female boxers from Taiwan participating in this year's tournament in Foz do Iguaçu. The three others are Wu Shih-yi (吳詩儀), Guo Yi-xuan (郭怡萱) and Chiu Ching-Yu (邱敬鈺), competing in the 57 kg, 48 kg and 51 kg weight classes respectively.

They are being led by coach Ko Wen-ming (柯文明), who said it is essential for the team to take part and observe the level of performance from other fighters around the world.

Ko said he will not put too much pressure on his four boxers, as the season has just begun and therefore the priority will be to experience the intensity of such high-level competition.

Chen, who won bronze in the women's 66-kilogram weight class at the Paris Olympics in 2024, will be the first Taiwanese boxer to enter the ring on the first day.

According to a schedule published on the tournament's official website, her bout against Soares will take place at 6 p.m. on Monday in Brazil, which is 5 a.m. Tuesday in Taiwan.

Soares won silver and bronze medals in the women's 60-kg division at the Olympics in Tokyo and Paris in 2020 and 2024. The highly decorated Brazilian has held the International Boxing Federation lightweight title since April 2024.

However, Chen has fought Soares in the past, with the Taiwanese winning gold after a unanimous 5-0 decision in the final against the Brazilian at the Golden Belt Series in Marrakesh in 2023.

The World Boxing Cup in Brazil will be held until Saturday, with 190 boxers from 19 countries participating in this year's event.