China's only boxing world champion Xu Can (18-2-0) beat Manny Robles III (18-1-0) of the U.S. to defend his WBA Featherweight World Title for the second time by unanimous decision (120-108, 119-109, 118-110) at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California, on Saturday night.
The two 25-year-olds have similar careers, but Xu gave the unbeaten Mexican-American his first loss with a dominant performance. The bout was fierce from the onset and in first round, the referee was stumbled by Robles.
Xu Can of China punches Manny Robles III of the U.S. during the WBA world championship at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California, November 23, 2019. /VCG Photo
The Chinese "Monster" was full energy through all 12 rounds, while the underdog Robles, whose knockout rate is higher than Xu and whose father is the trainer of Andy Ruiz Jr., looked much more tired in the final third.
Xu Can prepared for three months in the U.S. for this event. however, his M23 teammate was not so fortunate.
Baishanbo Nasiyiwula of China punches Saul Corral of the U.S. in a 141.2lbs bout at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California, November 23, 2019. /Courtesy of Team M23
The ethnic Kazakh Baishanbo Nasiyiwula (16-3-1, 6KOs) of China arrived in the U.S. just 26 hours before weigh-in, and had to cut weight on the plane.
But, in the preliminary match for the night, Baishanbo won an eight-round 141.2lbs bout over Saul Corral (31-15-0, 20KOs) of the U.S. by unanimous decision (80-72, 80-72, 80-72).
After the match, Baishanbo spoke to a CCTV journalist and said: "I did well (this time). Because, last time, I lost. Before coming here, I had too much pressure. For losing weight and so on, (it's so difficult.) I feel good. I am Chinese."