Chris John Retains WBA Weatherweight Title

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - World Boxing Association (WBA) weatherweight super champion from Indonesia, Chris "The Dragon" John, successfully retained his world title after winning on points against Argentinian challenger Fernando Saucedo in 12 rounds of  boxing at the Gelora Bung Karno Tennis Indoor stadium here Sunday night. The three referees gave 119-109, 119-109, and 120-108 for  Chris John, although he failed to fulfill his dream of stopping his challenger in less than 10 rounds.

In the fight attended by about 1,000 onlookers, including Sports and Youth Minister Andi Malarangeng, Chris was very aggressive and slightly emotional, as his opponent maintained his distance, and defended himself by effective and tight double covers. This made it difficult for Chris to launch  a deadly blow in an effective distance.
  
The Argentinian boxer was also very clever in provoking the emotion of the Indonesian fighter. Saucedo looked very relaxed, and often shook his head trying to tell Chris did not hurt him. Such attitude was demonstrated in the 11th round, when the Argentinian was pushed into a corner and received a barrage of hooks.

In all, Chris (31), performed in much the same way as in his previous encounters.  With his success this time, Chris John won 44 times (22 times with KO), two draws, and no defeats, while Saucedo who is two years John’s junior, won 38 times (one with KO), five losses, and three draws. Yesterday’s fight was a realization of  the fight postponed in last July, because Chris hurt his ribs while sparring with a number of local boxers.