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Chris John (boxer)

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Chris John
John (center) with the WBA title
Born
Yohannes Christian John

(1979-09-14) 14 September 1979 (age 45)
Other names
Statistics
Weight(s)Featherweight
Height5 ft 6+12 in (169 cm)
Reach69 in (175 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights52
Wins48
Wins by KO22
Losses1
Draws3
Chris John
Political partyNasdem Party
Spouse
Anna Maria Megawati
(m. 2005)

Yohannes Christian "Chris" John (born 14 September 1979) is an Indonesian former professional boxer who competed from 1998 to 2013. He held the World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight title from 2004 to 2009, then held the (Super version) from 2009 to 2013, with his near decade-long reign being the second longest in the division's history (after Johnny Kilbane). During his reign, John defended the title against 16 boxers, the second most in featherweight history (after Eusebio Pedroza).

Chris "The Dragon" John is the fourth Indonesian boxer to win a world title, following Ellyas Pical, Nico Thomas and Muhammad Rachman. In 2013, John announced his retirement from boxing, following his only career defeat to Simpiwe Vetyeka.[1]

Early life

[edit]

Chris John was born as Yohannes Christian John in Banjarnegara, on 14 September 1979. He is the second son of four siblings of Johan Tjahjadi (real name: Tjia Foek Sem) who is of Chinese descent and Maria Warsini. Boxing has been a part of John's life since his childhood. John's father was a former amateur boxer in Indonesia. He introduced boxing to his sons, John and his younger brother Adrian, at an early age of 5. John's Father inspired him by regaling with stories of hard fought battles and triumphant victories. Given the choice to fight or pursue other sports, John chose boxing and became an amateur champion in Banjarnegara.[2]

In 1997, Chris caught the attention of renowned boxing trainer, Sutan Rambing. Sutan recruited John into his gym and relocated John to Semarang, a city in Central Java. Sutan served as John's trainer till 2004 and soon after parted ways when John won his first major world title.[2]

Professional career

[edit]

John turned professional in 1997 and was known as "Thin Man" before he proclaimed his new nickname "The Dragon" that he now uses. In his first professional fight, John won by knockout, beating a local fighter Word Kanda. In his 6th bout, the reputation of Chris John rose when he knocked out the national featherweight Champion in a 12 rounds bout, Muhammad Afaridzi. John was knocked down twice in round one, but he managed to reverse the situation by knocking Alfaridzi in round 12. According to Chris John, his nose was bleeding profusely resulting from a broken nose that occurred in the 1st round.[2]

Following the win over Dae-Kyun Park, Chris captured the PABA Featherweight title from the. John was given the opportunity to fight hard-hitting Oscar León of Colombia for the WBA featherweight title on 26 September 2003 in Bali. John was The Ring's #8-ranked featherweight in the world (and #10 pound-for-pound), while Oscar was the #5-ranked featherweight in the world and #5 pound-for-pound. This was Oscar's second title fight in his career. His first, losing to then WBA featherweight champion Derrick Gainer in a twelve-round split-decision.

While both fighters were in their mid 20s, Oscar had several physical advantages over John: an inch in height and 5 inches in reach. John won by split decision in a 12-round match to win the WBA Featherweight title.[2]

John vs. Rojas

[edit]

After defeating Osamu Sato in Tokyo, Japan, John was given the opportunity to fight Jose Rojas of Venezuela in Tenggarong, East Kalimantan. The fight result was concluded as a technical draw because accidental head clash in round 4. John was deeply cut, and Rojas was slightly cut. Rojas entered as the challenger after Derrick Gainer refused to sign contract with the promoter.

In 2005, John split with trainer Sutan Rambing prior to Derrick Gainer Fight. Preparing for this bout Chris joined Harry's Gym in Perth, Australia, where he is currently trained and managed by Craig Christian.

Five months after the fight with Oscar, Chris went on to defend his WBA title to former champion Derrick Gainer. Heading to the bout, Derrick was favourite to take the title he lost 2 years ago to Lineal Champion Juan Manuel Marquez. It was considered to be an important fight for both men.[3]

Despite scoring a first round knockdown, Derrick Gainer's attempt to once again win a world featherweight title failed at the Britama Arena Sport Hall in Jakarta, Indonesia. John won the match decisively by 12 round unanimous decision(118-109, 118-111, and 118-110).[4]

John vs. Márquez

[edit]

In the year of 2006, quadruple champion Juan Manuel Márquez challenged Chris for his WBA featherweight championship. Coming into the bout, Marquez fought to a draw against Manny Pacquiao.

John won by Unanimous Decision over 12 rounds. Marquez and his team disputed the decision, although all three judges scored in favour of John.

In 2012, following Marquez's upset win over Pacquiao, Chris John called him out for a second bout to be staged in Singapore or Macau in a neutral ground. "I am a much better boxer than him (Marquez) and I have more speed and skill," said John. "I will fight Marquez at any weight because it is a big money fight," John, told the Straits Times. Australian promoter Angelo Hyder said he would propose a fight at lightweight, meaning the Mexican would have to shed weight and John would have to gain about four kilograms (nine pounds).[5] The bout never came to fruition.

John vs. Enoki

[edit]

Prior to this bout, both fighters were undefeated, John standing at 41-0 and Enoki at 27-0. This was Hiroyuki Enoki first shot at a world title. A lot of hype was built up coming into the fight due to the history of world war two as Indonesia was a colony of Japan.

This fight was staged in a sold out korakuen hall in Tokyo, Japan. John took control from the outset and won unanimously by scores of 118-110, 118-110 and 117-111. This marked John's 10th world title defense.[6]

John vs. Juarez

[edit]

Following the Enoki Fight, Chris called out perennial contender Rocky Juarez.[7] In an interview with Secondsout, John said, "I want all boxing fans to be able to see me in the ring. I just want to fight the best fighters in the world and by going to the United States, I can fight the best. I watched Rocky Juarez’ last fight with Jorge Barrios. Juarez would be a good fight for me. I am ready for him and anyone else at featherweight or super featherweight.

On February 28, 2009, the title fight materialize with Rocky Juarez in Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, which served as the main undercard for Juan Manuel Márquez vs. Juan Díaz. This was the first time he had fought on American soil. The fight was a unanimous draw after 12 competitive rounds, with all three judges scoring it 114-114.

The fight was listed in Ring Magazines 20 Biggest Robberies in the last 20 years.

John vs. Juarez II

[edit]

The long-awaited rematch between Chris John and Rocky Juarez was staged in the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, as part of the undercard to Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Juan Manuel Márquez. John entered as the # 1 featherweight in the world according to The Ring Magazine. Juarez, a 2.1-1 underdog, came in as the # 4 featherweight. The bout, originally scheduled for June 27, was delayed due to a blood issue with Chris John. John had been reportedly feeling ill and fainted in training following a three-round sparring session. Tests two weeks later, however, showed no irregularities.

The rematch, the fight was one sided with John retaining his WBA title via 119-109, 117-111, 114-113, 12 round unanimous decision. [8]

John vs. Yordan

[edit]

Fellow Indonesian and leading contender Daud Yordan was next in line to fight John. The event was held in Jakarta International Expo, Kemayoran Central Jakarta on 17 April 2011.

Chris John won a unanimous decision over his challenger by scores of 117-112, 116-112, and 116-112.[9]

John vs. Kimura

[edit]

John defended his title for the 16th time on May 5, 2012, by defeating Japanese Shoji Kimura by unanimous decision. This marked his first win in Singapore and first out of his five fights contract in Marina Bay Sands.[10]

John vs. Piriyapinyo

[edit]

Chonlatarn Piriyapinyo was the second undefeated fighter to challenge for John's featherweight title. This served as his second bout in Marina Bay Sands. Billed as the "Battle of the Undefeated'. Coming into the fight, the Thai fighter was ranked 6th in the featherweight division.

Chris John successfully defended his WBA featherweight title for the 17th time on Friday in Singapore, as the Indonesian Pride beat Thailand's Chonlatarn Piriyapinyo by unanimous decision, with scores of 117-111, 119-109, and 119-109.[11]"

In the Post fight interview, Chris John called out fellow champions Daniel Ponce de León, Billy Dib and Orlando Salido from other associations for a unification bout for the featherweight belt.[12]

John vs. Hosono

[edit]

Satoshi Hosono, rated 7th by WBA in the featherweight division, became John's 6th challenger from Japan. Fighting on April 14, 2013 at the Indoor Tennis Stadium, Jakarta, Indonesia, John suffered severe bleeding from his temple and forehead due to the headbutt which happened in round 3 of 12. The fight was declared as a technical draw, and John retained his title.

John vs. Vetyeka

[edit]

John lost the WBA Super World featherweight title to Simpiwe Vetyeka on December 6, 2013, when John retired on his stool after the sixth of twelve rounds. Vetyeka's IBO featherweight title was also on the line. It was John's first professional loss and brought his ten-year WBA title reign to an end. After this loss, John decided to retire from boxing. Announcing his retirement on RCTI (Indonesia) Live with trainer Craig Christian and management team of Yonathan Periatna and Tony Tolj (Australia) and Angelo Hyder. Now he runs his personal business with his wife, while filming a number of TV commercials and becoming a motivator, sometimes appearing on TV shows.

Trainers in boxing

[edit]
  • 1984–1997: Johan Tjahjadi (John's father)
  • 1997–2004: Sutan Rambing
  • 2005–2013: Craig Christian

Awards

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John was named awarded the Fighter of the Decade for the 2000s by the WBA, in a ceremony which took place in Panama City on 29 February 2012. This award was previously held by Roy Jones Jr. for his achievements in the 1990s.[13]

In addition to being a professional boxer, John is also a member of the national wushu team. His successful achievements as a wushu athlete include:

  • Bronze medalist, South East Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2001
  • Gold medalist, South East Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, 1997
  • Gold medalist, Indonesian multi events games (National Olympic), Jakarta, 1996
  • Gold medalist, Indonesian wushu championship

Professional boxing record

[edit]
52 fights 48 wins 1 loss
By knockout 22 1
By decision 26 0
Draws 3
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
52 Loss 48–1–3 Simpiwe Vetyeka RTD 6 (12), 3:00 Dec 6, 2013 Metro City, Perth, Australia Lost WBA (Super) featherweight title;
For IBO featherweight title
51 Draw 48–0–3 Satoshi Hosono TD 3 (12) Apr 14, 2013 Tennis Indoor Senayan, Jakarta, Indonesia Retained WBA (Super) featherweight title;
Majority TD: John cut from an accidental head clash
50 Win 48–0–2 Chonlatarn Piriyapinyo UD 12 Nov 9, 2012 Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Retained WBA (Super) featherweight title
49 Win 47–0–2 Shoji Kimura UD 12 May 5, 2012 Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Retained WBA (Super) featherweight title
48 Win 46–0–2 Stanyslav Merdov UD 12 Nov 30, 2011 Challenge Stadium, Perth, Australia Retained WBA (Super) featherweight title
47 Win 45–0–2 Daud Yordan UD 12 Apr 17, 2011 International Expo, Jakarta, Indonesia Retained WBA (Super) featherweight title
46 Win 44–0–2 David Saucedo UD 12 Dec 5, 2010 Tennis Indoor Senayan, Jakarta, Indonesia Retained WBA (Super) featherweight title
45 Win 43–0–2 Rocky Juarez UD 12 Sep 19, 2009 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained WBA (Super) featherweight title
44 Draw 42–0–2 Rocky Juarez UD 12 Feb 28, 2009 Toyota Center, Houston, Texas, U.S. Retained WBA featherweight title
43 Win 42–0–1 Hiroyuki Enoki UD 12 Oct 24, 2008 Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan Retained WBA featherweight title
42 Win 41–0–1 Roinet Caballero RTD 7 (12), 3:00 Jan 26, 2008 Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, Indonesia Retained WBA featherweight title
41 Win 40–0–1 Zaiki Takemoto RTD 9 (12), 3:00 Aug 19, 2007 Fashion Mart, Kobe, Japan Retained WBA featherweight title
40 Win 39–0–1 Jose Rojas UD 12 Mar 3, 2007 Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, Indonesia Retained WBA featherweight title
39 Win 38–0–1 Renan Acosta UD 12 Sep 9, 2006 Soemantri Brodjonegoro Stadium, Jakarta, Indonesia Retained WBA featherweight title
38 Win 37–0–1 Juan Manuel Márquez UD 12 Mar 4, 2006 Karang Melenu Sports Hall, Tenggarong, Indonesia Retained WBA featherweight title
37 Win 36–0–1 Tommy Browne TKO 10 (12), 0:01 Aug 7, 2005 Panthers World of Entertainment, Penrith, Australia Retained WBA (Regular) featherweight title
36 Win 35–0–1 Derrick Gainer UD 12 Apr 22, 2005 The BritAma Arena, Jakarta, Indonesia Retained WBA (Regular) featherweight title
35 Draw 34–0–1 Jose Rojas TD 4 (12), 1:41 Dec 3, 2004 Rondong Demang Stadium, Tenggarong, Indonesia Retained WBA (Regular) featherweight title;
Split TD: both boxers cut from an accidental head clash
34 Win 34–0 Osamu Sato UD 12 Jun 4, 2004 Ariake Coliseum, Tokyo, Japan Retained WBA (Regular) featherweight title
33 Win 33–0 Oscar León SD 12 Sep 26, 2003 Bali, Indonesia Won vacant WBA interim featherweight title
32 Win 32–0 Dae-Kyung Park TKO 1 (12) Jul 3, 2003 Indosiar Studios, Jakarta, Indonesia Retained PABA featherweight title
31 Win 31–0 Mahasamut Kiatpakpanung KO 3 (10) Mar 29, 2003 Kendal, Indonesia
30 Win 30–0 Dante Paulino KO 8 (12) Jan 10, 2003 Jakarta, Indonesia Retained PABA featherweight title
29 Win 29–0 Ratanachai Sor Vorapin UD 10 Nov 1, 2002 Semarang, Indonesia
28 Win 28–0 Sprinkaan Khongoane UD 10 Aug 23, 2002 Indosiar Studios, Jakarta, Indonesia
27 Win 27–0 Dong-Kook Lee KO 1 (12) Jun 28, 2002 Jakarta, Indonesia Retained PABA featherweight title
26 Win 26–0 Petcharoon Wor Surapol TKO 5 (12) Mar 29, 2002 Bandung, Indonesia Retained PABA featherweight title
25 Win 25–0 Kongthawat Sorkitti TKO 8 (12) Jan 11, 2002 Bandung, Indonesia Retained PABA featherweight title
24 Win 24–0 Soleh Sundava RTD 6 (12), 3:00 Nov 9, 2001 Kaliwates Youth Arena, Jember, Indonesia Won PABA featherweight title
23 Win 23–0 Kongthawat Sor Kitti PTS 10 Jul 27, 2001 Karawang, Indonesia
22 Win 22–0 Fernando Montilla TKO 7 (10) Apr 4, 2001 Indosiar Studios, Jakarta, Indonesia
21 Win 21–0 Leed Shabu KO 3 (12) Mar 29, 2001 Bogor, Indonesia Retained Indonesia featherweight title
20 Win 20–0 Vichit Chuwatana PTS 10 Dec 22, 2000 Jakarta, Indonesia
19 Win 19–0 Uygun Siddikov KO 6 (10) Sep 29, 2000 Jakarta, Indonesia
18 Win 18–0 Baby Lorona Jr. UD 10 Aug 24, 2000 Jakarta, Indonesia
17 Win 17–0 Khongsuriya Sitkanongsak KO 9 (10) May 26, 2000 Jakarta, Indonesia
16 Win 16–0 Moses Seran KO 3 (12) May 5, 2000 Jakarta, Indonesia Won vacant Indonesia Boxing Association featherweight title
15 Win 15–0 Joseph Paden KO 2 (10) Jan 28, 2000 Jakarta, Indonesia
14 Win 14–0 Vichit Chuwatana KO 2 (10) Dec 23, 1999 Semarang, Indonesia
13 Win 13–0 Virgo Warouw PTS 10 Nov 19, 1999 Jakarta, Indonesia
12 Win 12–0 Muhammad Alfaridzi KO 12 (12) Jun 6, 1999 Indosiar Studios, Jakarta, Indonesia Won vacant Indonesia featherweight title
11 Win 11–0 Taji Atmojo PTS 10 Jun 6, 1999 Jakarta, Indonesia
10 Win 10–0 Hasan Lobubun KO 1 (8) Apr 2, 1999 Jakarta, Indonesia
9 Win 9–0 Hasan Ambon PTS 10 Mar 5, 1999 Jakarta, Indonesia
8 Win 8–0 Herry Makawimbang PTS 10 Feb 5, 1999 Jakarta, Indonesia
7 Win 7–0 Salim Ayuba PTS 10 Dec 4, 1998 Jakarta, Indonesia
6 Win 6–0 Kris Wuritimur PTS 8 Nov 6, 1998 Tangerang, Indonesia
5 Win 5–0 Ampi Lealesi TKO 5 (8) Oct 10, 1998 Tangerang, Indonesia
4 Win 4–0 Riston Manalu TKO 3 (8) Sep 5, 1998 RCTI Studios, Jakarta, Indonesia
3 Win 3–0 Guci Halim Fidal PTS 8 Aug 5, 1998 Indosiar Studios, Jakarta, Indonesia
2 Win 2–0 Nurdin Pase TKO 2 (6) Jul 6, 1998 Indosiar Studios, Jakarta, Indonesia
1 Win 1–0 Firman Kanda PTS 6 Jun 4, 1998 Tangerang, Indonesia

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Ini Penyebab Chris John Mundur Dari Tinju". December 19, 2013.
  2. ^ a b c d "Biography Chris John - boxer Indonesia". March 3, 2012. Archived from the original on December 12, 2013. Retrieved March 9, 2013.
  3. ^ "Chris John out to prove himself in Gainer bout". March 3, 2012. Archived from the original on July 6, 2013.
  4. ^ "John off the canvas to beat Gainer". March 3, 2012. Archived from the original on April 27, 2013.
  5. ^ "Chris John eyes Juan Manuel Márquez showdown after Pacquiao knockout". The Guardian. London. December 10, 2012.
  6. ^ "John scores unanimous decision over Enoki to keep title". October 24, 2008.
  7. ^ "Chris John Faces Enoki Friday night; Rocky Juarez Next?". October 24, 2008.
  8. ^ "Chris John vs. Rocky Juarez (2nd meeting)". September 19, 2009. Archived from the original on March 22, 2015.
  9. ^ "Chris John beats Daud Yordan to retain title". The Jakarta Post. 18 April 2011. Archived from the original on 21 May 2011.
  10. ^ "John retains featherweight title with win over Kimura". May 6, 2012.
  11. ^ "Chris John retains title against Chonlatarn Piriyapinyo, Daud Yordan wins on undercard". November 10, 2012. Retrieved December 6, 2012.
  12. ^ "Champion Chris is looking ahead to unification fight". November 10, 2012. Retrieved December 6, 2012.
  13. ^ "Chris John Sabet Penghargaan 'WBA Fighter of Decade'". March 3, 2012.
[edit]
Sporting positions
Regional boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Mike Sianturi
Indonesia featherweight champion
July 13, 1999 – May 2001
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Joey De Ricardo
Inaugural champion IBA featherweight champion
May 5, 2000 – November 2001
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Moses Seran
Preceded by
Soleh Sundava
PABA featherweight champion
November 9, 2001 – September 2003
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Saohin Srithai Condo
World boxing titles
New title WBA featherweight champion
Interim title

September 26, 2003 – November 1, 2003
Promoted
Vacant
Title next held by
Yuriorkis Gamboa
New title WBA (Regular) featherweight champion
November 1, 2003 – August 22, 2005
Promoted
Vacant
Title next held by
Yuriorkis Gamboa
Preceded byas Super Champion WBA featherweight champion
August 22, 2005 – July 14, 2010
Super title from June 27, 2009
Stripped
Succeeded by
Yuriorkis Gamboa
as champion
promoted from Regular status
Preceded byas Champion
demoted to Regular status
WBA featherweight champion
Super title

December 5, 2010 – December 6, 2013
Succeeded by
Honorary boxing titles
New title WBA featherweight champion
In recess

July 14, 2010 – December 5, 2010
Reinstated
Title discontinued