(Beijing, November 21) In his 57kg semifinal against Samat Bashenov of Kazakhstan on the fifth day of the 2007 International Boxing Invitational Tournament, Arturo Santos of Mexico outdid his Kazakhstanian opponent by a wide margin of 24-12.

After the contest Santos told the media that the win had come the hard way. "I was eager to win throughout the match," he said. "I tried my very best and fortunately I made it."

Santos appeared in the semifinal this evening with a national flag of China in his hand, a move that won him warm applause from the stands. "During my stay here I feel like at home. I like the Chinese people who are very friendly. I brought a Chinese national flag to the venue today to show my appreciation, and for this I got more applause from the spectators."

Tomorrow the Mexican boxer will take on Raynell Williams from the United States in the final. "I think my opponent is very strong," he said. "To win the match, I've got to get well prepared in both techniques and mentality."