HAIKOU, China, Jan. 13 -- Chinese WBC (World Boxing Council) minimumweight champion Xiong Chaozhong will defend his title for the third time on Feb. 5 in the southern Chinese city of Haikou.

Xiong's opponent is Mexican Oswaldo Novoa, No. 2 in the WBC rankings. The 32-year-old Novoa had a run of three successive KO wins in the last bouts.

"My opponent is very tough this time, so I have already focused on preparing for four weeks in Australia," Xiong said. "I will try my best to keep the title."

On Feb. 5, there will be another four WBC bouts on the same night, as four other Chinese boxers will meet rivals from Australia, Thailand, Canada and Indonesia.