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Chris John to defend title in Japan
The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Mon, 06/04/2007 9:00 AM
Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
After three successful title defenses at home, Yohannes Christian ""Chris"" John will put his World Boxing Association featherweight belt on the line before a Japanese crowd when he faces Zaiki Takemoto in Kobe on Aug. 19.
For Chris John, the bout will be an especially challenging and personal test of his championship qualities.
""This is my second fight in Japan. Pressure from the crowd will be very high for sure,"" the 27-year-old told reporters here Sunday.
""But I think I will be able to overcome the crowd thanks to better preparation and the prayers of my supporters back home.""
Chris's first fight in Japan was a memorable experience, as he outboxed former WBA champ Osamu Sato in the 2004 bout in Tokyo.
The crowd will definitely be behind Kobe-born Takemoto, who rose to No. 8 in the rankings after defeating world No. 4 Juan Cabrera of Argentina in Kobe on March 18.
Takemoto has a record of 21-6-1, with 12 KOs.
The champ, meanwhile, has an impressive record of 39-0-1, with 20 KOs. This will be Chris' eighth title defense since taking the belt from Oscar Leon of Colombia in 2003.
Chris, who flew in from Perth, Australia, said he was studying tapes of Takemoto's previous fights.
""He is a sort of counter-boxer who sometimes turns aggressive. But he can also fight in the boxer style.""
Chris will fly back next week to Perth, where he trains under coach Craig Christian.
""I'm considering the possibility of arriving early in Japan to adapt to the weather,"" said the fighter, nicknamed the Dragon.
Chris' coach said the contract for the fight was signed last week in Perth. However, he declined to say how much the fighters would be paid.
Christian said the fight had been made possible thanks to promoters Joe Koizumi of Japan on Takemoto's side and Sampson Lewkowicz of the U.S. on Chris' side.
""They both have good reputations worldwide in boxing. I have no worries at all,"" Christian said.
Chris John's last bout, against Jose Rojas of Venezuela on March 4, made unexpected headlines amid reported payment troubles involving local promoter Albert Papilaya.
The promoter belatedly paid the boxers only after both fighters complained that Albert had given them bad checks.
Albert is the promoter for the June 16 International Boxing Federation mini-flyweight title fight between champion Muhammad Rachman of Indonesia and Florante Condes of the Philippines. The fight will take place in Jakarta.
