Labinot Xhoxhaj

Labinot Xhoxhaj (born 4 March 1993) is a Kosovan professional boxer. At regional level, he has held the European heavyweight title since 2024.

Professional career European champion Xhoxhaj vs. Zakhozhyi Previously viewed as an obscure fighter, with a limited and unsuccessful amateur career, Xhoxhaj is considered a surprise champion. Both his opponent for the European title and his first challenger were seen as the favorites, and the more promising prospects, at the time of their fights.

Xhoxhaj vs. Aliev Mourad Aliev, a contender with a distinguished amateur background, also spoke openly about his ambitions to achieve at the world level after defeating Xhoxhaj and claiming his title, prior to their fight. He was quoted in ring magazine, stating: "Xhoxhaj is unbeaten and the reigning European champion. So, he's a good fighter and I will not underestimate him. At the same time, I know about my own qualities and am sure that I will beat him… The European title has such a great history that I see it as a very important step on my way to the world title."

Subsequent ringside commentary, during the fight, noted Aliev seeming to find his opponent "tougher than he expected", as Labinot continued to prove tenacious, before ultimately defeating Aliev by unanimous decision.

Xhoxhaj vs. Seifkhani Xhoxhaj successfully defended the title a second time by knocking out Pezhman Seifkhani in the fourth round at Hallensportzentrum in Lahr, Germany, on 14 February 2026.

Fighting style Xhoxhaj’s straightforward, pressure-heavy style is considered in-keeping with his smaller stature and modest background in the sport, relying mostly on a tight guard and a willingness to exchange punches, with only a modicum of head movement. As such, his best opponents have had some success, with their more polished combination punching.

However, Labinot’s willingness to take punishment and embrace "gritty" fighting, without abandoning his game plan, tends to stop his fights from ever becoming one-sided, even to the point of discouraging these seemingly more skilled boxers. Oleksandr Zakhozhyi was described as succumbing to exhaustion, in the face of Xhoxhaj’s surprising effectiveness, and as seeming to accept that he had lost their fight, even before the final two rounds were finished.

Professional boxing record