Chinese boxer Xu Can retains WBA featherweight title

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Chinese boxer Xu Can successfully retained his World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight title on a super Sunday night. The prolific pugilist beat Japanese challenger Shun Kubo by technical knockout in front of a jubilant crowd at his hometown city of Fuzhou in southeast China's Jiangxi Province.

The 25-year-old Xu, wearing red trunks with yellow trim, took control of the bout at the very beginning with steady moves and sharp strikes.

Xu enjoyed success as early as the second round. The 29-year-old Kubo targeted the home boxer's body, but Xu was the aggressor and caught the Japanese flush once more towards the end of the third round.

Chinese boxer Xu Can (L) unleashes a punch on Japanese Shun Kubo during the WBA world featherweight bout in Fuzhou, southeast China's Jiangxi Province, May 26, 2019. /VCG Photo

Xu began the fifth round in style, rocking Kubo and piling in on him. Kubo was in trouble and hit the canvas with 23 seconds left in the round following a three-punch combination from Xu, a native of southeastern Jiangxi Province. The Japanese challenger was eventually knocked down.

"It is not easy to beat Shun Kubo, as he is taller, and has very long arms," said Xu after the victory.

"But I like to go up against difficult opponents, because I am Xu Can, and I can. I do not fear any opponent, and I can do well in any fight as long as I prepare well, so I can win as long as China supports me."

Also, Chinese Gao Shichao beat Thailand's Anurak Thisa to win the East Asia international super featherweight championship, and Gao's compatriot Wulan Tuolehazi defeated Filipinos Ardin Diale to retain his WBA international flyweight title.