BEIJING, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese medal hopeful Li Sijia was knocked out after losing 18-15 to Mbira Owethu of South Africa in the 60kg quarterfinals at the Beijing international boxing tournament here on Monday.

Li controlled the match from the very beginning to lead 7-4 in the first two rounds after a series of ferocious punches.

However, the 19-year old Chinese lost his power in the third round.

"I felt really tired from the third round. He was so powerful that I could not even raised my head, " said Li.

Mbira Owethu did not let the chance slip away and forced Li to the corner, punching Li's head to gain enough points to seal the win.

"It is the first time for me to compete in the international arena, participating in the event gave me some confidence for future matches," said Li, who attributed his losing to lacking of experience.

Early on, Li's teammate Li Jinbao was eliminated by Avila Braulio of Mexico 17-7 in the 51 kg quarterfinals and Li Yang quit the tournament due to injury.

Li Jinbao refused to comment on his performance after the match, while Avila expressed his satisfaction about the result.

"I did not know the Chinese boxer, and this is the first time we met in the international tournament. He did well in the beginning, but I controlled the game in all, " said Avila, who already set his eyes on the gold medal.

"I think I have the ability to take the gold, hopefully I could do better in the semifinals and pave the way for the gold, " added Avila.

The Beijing international boxing tournament is held at Worker's Indoor Arena on Nov. 17-22, as one of a series of test events for the Beijing 2008 Olympics. More than 70 boxers from 17 countries and regions are participating in the tournament.