Taiwan’s Chen Nien-chin Set to Face Olympic Medalist Beatriz Soares in World Boxing Cup Opener

Taiwanese boxing star Chen Nien-chin (陳念琴) is preparing for a high-stakes showdown against Brazilian Olympic medalist Beatriz Soares in the opening match of the World Boxing Cup 2024 in Brazil. Competing in the 65 kg division, Chen is part of a four-member Taiwanese women’s boxing squad taking part in this elite international competition.

The tournament, hosted in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, is scheduled to run until Saturday, featuring 190 boxers from 19 countries. The Taiwanese delegation, led by coach Ko Wen-ming (柯文明), aims to gain international experience and assess the global competition ahead of future tournaments.

Chen Nien-chin’s Road to the World Boxing Cup

Chen, one of Taiwan’s top female boxers, has an impressive track record, including a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics in the 66 kg category. The 26-year-old athlete has consistently represented Taiwan on the world stage, earning accolades for her powerful punches and tactical skills.

Her opponent, Beatriz Soares, is a highly decorated Brazilian boxer with silver and bronze Olympic medals in the 60-kg division from Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. She is also the reigning IBF lightweight champion, making this an exciting and challenging match for Chen.

However, Chen has reason to be confident—she has previously defeated Soares in a 5-0 unanimous decision at the 2023 Golden Belt Series final in Marrakesh. This history adds an intriguing layer to the matchup, as both fighters will look to assert dominance in this high-profile bout.

Taiwan’s Women’s Boxing Team at the World Boxing Cup

Taiwan has sent four female boxers to compete in different weight divisions:

• Chen Nien-chin (65 kg) – First Taiwanese boxer to compete, facing Beatriz Soares.
• Wu Shih-yi (吳詩儀) (57 kg) – Known for her agility and strategic approach.
• Guo Yi-xuan (郭怡萱) (48 kg) – One of Taiwan’s emerging talents in the lighter weight divisions.
• Chiu Ching-Yu (邱敬鈺) (51 kg) – Strong contender in the flyweight category.

Coach Ko Wen-ming emphasized that the primary goal is to observe and gain experience, as the season has just begun. The World Boxing Cup provides an opportunity for these athletes to fine-tune their skills against some of the best boxers from around the world.

Match Details: Chen Nien-chin vs. Beatriz Soares

• Date: Monday, April 1, 2024
• Time: 6 p.m. (Brazil time) | 5 a.m. (Taiwan time, April 2)
• Location: Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil
• Significance: A key match between two top-tier boxers with a history of competition against each other.

What’s at Stake?

For Chen Nien-chin, this match is more than just an opening bout—it’s a chance to prove her dominance once again over Soares on her home turf. A win would further cement Chen’s reputation as one of Taiwan’s best female boxers and build momentum for future international competitions.

For Beatriz Soares, the fight is an opportunity for redemption. Losing to Chen in 2023 was a setback, and this time, she will be looking to leverage home advantage and her recent Olympic experience to turn the tables.

The Bigger Picture: Taiwan’s Growing Presence in International Boxing

Taiwanese boxers have steadily gained recognition in global boxing events, and Chen’s participation in high-profile tournaments like the World Boxing Cup, the Olympics, and the Golden Belt Series has been instrumental in elevating Taiwan’s status in the sport.

The increase in international exposure and participation in events such as the World Boxing Cup also provides Taiwanese athletes with more opportunities to compete against elite-level fighters, improving their overall skill levels and readiness for future competitions.

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