FEDELATIN featherweight boxing champion Nicholas “Axeman” Walters has become the latest Jamaican to enter the world rankings after he was listed among the top 15 by the World Boxing Association (WBA).

The latest release of the WBA rankings shows Walters installed as the number 12 contender coming on the back of his regional Fedelatin title on December 18.

Undefeated in 13 fights, the former Caribbean amateur star has scored 10 knockouts and won his first professional title on a unanimous decision over Carlos Manuel Reyes of the Dominican Republic in Haiti.

Walters lifted the Fedelatin title while ranked at number 10 in the region, beating then number 12, Reyes, and the Jamaican, while basking in this latest achievement, has his sights set on moving up to the world title.

“It’s a tremendous feeling; any sport in which your ranked in the world is a great achievement. Now to be ranked number 12 in the world, I’m just gonna take it in a bit.

“I’m already back in training working out; I’m supposed to fight shortly. I’m just gonna take it from here; it’s an upward movement from here. I want to be number one in the world and that’s what I’m aiming for and I’m going for it very hard,” Walter said.

Unbeaten Cuban star Yurorkis Gamboa (17-0 15KOS) is the current WBA featherweight champion, with Chris John (43-0-2 (KO 22) of Indonesia the super champion.

Walters faced and was beaten by Gamboa at the Pan-American games in Brazil and has kept his eyes on the Cuban ever since he turned pro.

“Gamboa is the man right now. I’ve known him from the amateur days and if he can take on the world and beat them, I’m pretty sure I can do the same, .

“I started out with nothing, no ranking, and very quick in my career I have a world ranking. By the end of this year going next year I want a shot at the world title,” Walters added.

“I’m watching the tapes of Gamboa. He’s fast. I’m working on my speed, training everyday. I want to be at the top; I’ll settle for no less than a world title and I’m gonna do it. Jamaica deserves it and I deserve it,” he said.

The road ahead will be tough for the young boxer, with names such as Rocky Juarez (USA 6), Israel Vasquez (Mexico 5), Raphael Marquez (Mexico 3) and Daniel Ponce de Leon (Mexico 1) potential potholes along the way.

Walters joins former world champion Glen “Road Warrior” Johnson as Jamaicans listed on the world rankings. Johnson is the International Boxing Federation’s (IBF’s) number six light heavyweight.