Xu Can wins China's first ever WBA title

HOUSTON, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- Xu Can lifted China's first ever World Boxing Association title here on Saturday after he defeated defending champion Jesus Rojas of Puerto Rico with unanimous decision.

Xu, at 24 and 10 months, became China's youngest world professional boxing champion, winning with scores of 117-111, 116-112 and 118-110 over Rojas.

The victory also made Xu the youngest WBA featherweight champion in 10 years.

"The power is from China," exclaimed the excited Xu, who has been regarded one of the most talented boxers in China after former WBO flyweight champion Zou Shiming and ex-WBC minimumweight winner Xiong Chaozhong.

"Before I came here, I knew I can win. I am Can," he said.

Xu picked up boxing at 16 and he had been dreaming to reach the world's peak since then.

"Since I started practicing boxing, I have dreamed about lifting the golden belt. Today, the dream has come true," he said. "But I will not stop here. The belt is not the finish line, but a starting point. There are so many stronger rivals waiting ahead." Enditem