W

orld Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight super champion Chris “The Dragon” John says he will knock out Argentine Fernando David Saucedo before round 10 in their title bout tomorrow.

“I’ve prepared for the past two and a half months for this. I expect to knock him [Saucedo] down before round 10,” the 31-year-old told a press conference in Jakarta on Saturday.

“I want to perform my best. Nevertheless, I won’t rush it; I have to consider every opportunity that is offered to me,” Chris said about his strategy for the fight.

The much-awaited Sunday night fight at Tennis Indoor Senayan in Jakarta will be Chris’ 13th title defense. Chris canceled his last two scheduled fights due to a rib injury sustained during training.

Indonesia’s most celebrated boxer said he had regained his previous fitness after a two-month rest. “My ribs are fine. Therefore, I’m ready to have the match in December.

Chris, who retained his title last September in a rematch against Rocky Juarez of the US in Las Vegas, said he would maintain his counter-punching style Sunday.

“I have my strategy, I will just apply it during the fight,” he added.

Meanwhile, 29-year-old Saucedo offered little about how he would go about dethroning home-favorite Chris.

“You will ‘talk’ in the ring, tomorrow you’ll find out if you watch the fight,” Saucedo said through a translator.

Despite the strong support for Chris, Saucedo said he was determined to bring the title home.

“[I’m sure I will win] because this is for my daughter,” he said, showing a tattoo of his daughter, Zaira’s, name on his left arm.

“I’d like to bring it [the title] home to my family and country,” Saucedo said.

During Saturday’s official weigh in, Chris tipped the scales at 56.9 kilograms and measured 169 centimeters in height. Saucedo weighed in at 56.7 kilograms and 172 centimeters.

Chris has fought 45 times with 43 victories and two draws. Saucedo has a record of 38 victories, four defeats and two draws. Chris has yet to fight this year due to injury, while the 29-year-old Saucedo beat counterpart Jorge Martin Garcia in January. Both Chris and Saucedo are orthodox (right handed) fighters.

Daud Yordan of Indonesia is also scheduled to fight Damian David Marchiano in a WBO featherweight title bout earlier Sunday.