China's Xiong Chaozhong failed to overcome a late rally by Jose Jimenez of ­Colombia in the IBF Mini Flyweight World Championship Eliminator on Wednesday, ending his hopes of challenging for the world title.

"I think my preparations were fine, but I have to admit my stamina was not enough," Xiong told the Global Times after his bout at the Diamond Court of the National Tennis Center in Beijing. "I didn't expect his surge in the later part of the fight."

Though having knocked down his opponent - who is 11 centimeters taller - in the first round, Xiong struggled to hold off his opponent in the later stages of the 12-round fight.

"I'm satisfied with my performance; it was the best. But the result is the ­result, I have to accept it. No regrets," Xiong noted.

He later blamed the intensity of his preparation when he was in his hometown Yunnan Province, which affected his body after a tighter training schedule.

Under the gaze of boxing heavyweight legend Mike Tyson, the diminutive boxer, in his second career defeat, has to change his future plans.

"I was expecting to win today and challenge for the world title, but things need to be changed," Xiong said. "It's just win or lose. If I get another chance, I will fight again."

Xiong, who turned to boxing only since 2006 after being a miner, was a WBC world champion in 2012-14. "I need time to reconsider my plans," he said.

The marquis bout saw John ­Casimero of the Philippines down ­Amnat ­Ruenroeng of Thailand for the IBF ­Flyweight title.

Casimero was defeated by Ruenroeng last year in Bangkok, but the night in Beijing saw him knock Ruenroeng out in the fourth round.

The fights on Wednesday also kicked off the 2016 China season, with LeSports starting its online  pay-per-view system.

In another bout, Chinese female ­boxer Cai Zongju won by unanimous decision over Samson Buamas of Thailand in the IBF Mini Female Flyweight World Championship Eliminator.

Cai, who ranked third in the division, is considered the top female boxer in China as she holds the WBC and WBA golden belts.

"I expect a tougher fight later, I want to deliver my best to the fans," Cai vowed after the fight.

China's Meng Fanlong defeated Robert Powdrill in the IBF Light Heavyweight fight to extend his undefeated run to seven bouts.