Fresh off a world championship win in Thailand, 11-year-old San Luis Obispo native Ava Cano is back in the ring.
Cano started taking self-defense classes at a gym in San Luis Obispo at just four years old. After catching a glimpse of Muay Thai training following practice one day, she knew immediately that was what she wanted to do.
"I would just beg the coach to let me join. And finally, after a couple weeks of begging, he let me," Cano said.
Since then, Cano has won more than a dozen competitions. In 2025, she won the country's largest Thai Boxing Association event.
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Now, she is celebrating a gold medal win for Team USA in Thailand.
"When I was four, I was just thinking I never expected to be a champion soon," Cano said.
Even with multiple championships under her belt, Cano already has her eyes on what is next.
"In September, I'm going to Los Angeles to fight in a championship; it's called the Tournament of Championships," Cano said.
To prepare, she trains in the gym five days a week. She said balancing training with other parts of life can sometimes be a challenge.
"Also keeping up on your school and trying to play at the same time, but then once the fight comes, you're really happy and feel accomplished," Cano said.
For Cano, the drive comes from a simple place.
"I do it because I love it," Cano said.
You can follow Cano on her journey on Instagram at @avaallheart.
