Chris John (boxer)

Chris John
John (center) with the WBA title
Statistics
Real name Yohannes Christian John
Nickname(s)
Weight(s) Featherweight
Height 5 ft 6 12 in (169 cm)
Reach 69 in (175 cm)
Nationality Indonesian
Born (1979-09-14) 14 September 1979
Banjarnegara, Indonesia
Stance Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights 52
Wins 48
Wins by KO 22
Losses 1
Draws 3
Chris John
Political party Nasdem Party
Spouse(s)
Anna Maria Megawati (m. 2005)

Yohannes Christian "Chris" John (born 14 September 1979) is an Indonesian former professional boxer and world champion, who competed from 1998 to 2013.

He held the WBA (Super) featherweight title from 2004 to 2013, with his near decade-long reign being the second longest in the division's history (after Johnny Kilbane) and his eighteen successful title defenses the second most at featherweight (after Eusebio Pedroza). 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

Chris John was born as Yohannes Christian John in Banjarnegara, 14 September 1979, he is the second son of four siblings of Johan Tjahjadi (aka Tjia Foek Sem) 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 Indonesia. Sutan served as John's trainer till 2004 and soon after parted ways when John won his first major world title.[2]

Professional career

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

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

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

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

Following 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.

John vs. Juarez II

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

Fellow Indonesian and current IBO Featherweight champion 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

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

Chonlatarn Piriyapinyo was the second undefeated fighter to challenge 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 on unanimous decision 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

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 for the 18th time.

John vs. Vetyeka

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. Now he runs his personal business with his wife, becomes a TV commercial star, motivator, and sometimes appears on TV shows.

Trainers in boxing

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

Awards

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

Professional record summary
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 South Africa Simpiwe Vetyeka RTD 6 (12), 3:00 Dec 6, 2013 Australia Metro City, Perth, Australia Lost WBA (Super) featherweight title;
For IBO featherweight title
51 Draw 48–0–3 Japan Satoshi Hosono TD 3 (12) Apr 14, 2013 Indonesia Tennis Indoor Senayan, Jakarta, Indonesia Retained WBA (Super) featherweight title;
Majority TD after John was cut from an accidental head clash
50 Win 48–0–2 Thailand Chonlatarn Piriyapinyo UD 12 Nov 9, 2012 Singapore Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Retained WBA (Super) featherweight title
49 Win 47–0–2 Japan Shoji Kimura UD 12 May 5, 2012 Singapore Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Retained WBA (Super) featherweight title
48 Win 46–0–2 Ukraine Stanyslav Merdov UD 12 Nov 30, 2011 Australia Challenge Stadium, Perth, Australia Retained WBA (Super) featherweight title
47 Win 45–0–2 Indonesia Daud Yordan UD 12 Apr 17, 2011 Indonesia International Expo, Jakarta, Indonesia Retained WBA (Super) featherweight title
46 Win 44–0–2 Argentina David Saucedo UD 12 Dec 5, 2010 Indonesia Tennis Indoor Senayan, Jakarta, Indonesia Retained WBA (Super) featherweight title
45 Win 43–0–2 United States Rocky Juarez UD 12 Sep 19, 2009 United States MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained WBA (Super) featherweight title
44 Draw 42–0–2 United States Rocky Juarez UD 12 Feb 28, 2009 United States Toyota Center, Houston, Texas, U.S. Retained WBA featherweight title
43 Win 42–0–1 Japan Hiroyuki Enoki UD 12 Oct 24, 2008 Japan Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan Retained WBA featherweight title
42 Win 41–0–1 Panama Roinet Caballero RTD 7 (12), 3:00 Jan 26, 2008 Indonesia Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, Indonesia Retained WBA featherweight title
41 Win 40–0–1 Japan Zaiki Takemoto RTD 9 (12), 3:00 Aug 19, 2007 Japan Fashion Mart, Kobe, Japan Retained WBA featherweight title
40 Win 39–0–1 Venezuela Jose Rojas UD 12 Mar 3, 2007 Indonesia Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, Indonesia Retained WBA featherweight title
39 Win 38–0–1 Panama Renan Acosta UD 12 Sep 9, 2006 Indonesia Soemantri Brodjonegoro Stadium, Jakarta, Indonesia Retained WBA featherweight title
38 Win 37–0–1 Mexico Juan Manuel Márquez UD 12 Mar 4, 2006 Indonesia Karang Melenu Sports Hall, Tenggarong, Indonesia Retained WBA featherweight title
37 Win 36–0–1 Australia Tommy Browne TKO 10 (12), 0:01 Aug 7, 2005 Australia Panthers World of Entertainment, Penrith, Australia Retained WBA featherweight title
36 Win 35–0–1 United States Derrick Gainer UD 12 Apr 22, 2005 Indonesia The BritAma Arena, Jakarta, Indonesia Retained WBA featherweight title
35 Draw 34–0–1 Venezuela Jose Rojas TD 4 (12), 1:41 Dec 3, 2004 Indonesia Rondong Demang Stadium, Tenggarong, Indonesia Retained WBA featherweight title;
Split TD after both boxers were cut from an accidental head clash
34 Win 34–0 Japan Osamu Sato UD 12 Jun 4, 2004 Japan Ariake Coliseum, Tokyo, Japan Retained WBA featherweight title
33 Win 33–0 Colombia Oscar León SD 12 Sep 26, 2003 Indonesia Bali, Indonesia Won vacant WBA interim featherweight title
32 Win 32–0 South Korea Dae-Kyung Park TKO 1 (12) Jul 3, 2003 Indonesia Indosiar Studios, Jakarta, Indonesia Retained PABA featherweight title
31 Win 31–0 Thailand Mahasamut Kiatpakpanung KO 3 (10) Mar 29, 2003 Indonesia Kendal, Indonesia
30 Win 30–0 Philippines Dante Paulino KO 8 (12) Jan 10, 2003 Indonesia Jakarta, Indonesia Retained PABA featherweight title
29 Win 29–0 Thailand Ratanachai Sor Vorapin UD 10 Nov 1, 2002 Indonesia Semarang, Indonesia
28 Win 28–0 Thailand Sprinkaan Khongoane UD 10 Aug 23, 2002 Indonesia Indosiar Studios, Jakarta, Indonesia
27 Win 27–0 South Korea Dong-Kook Lee KO 1 (12) Jun 28, 2002 Indonesia Jakarta, Indonesia Retained PABA featherweight title
26 Win 26–0 Thailand Petcharoon Wor Surapol TKO 5 (12) Mar 29, 2002 Indonesia Bandung, Indonesia Retained PABA featherweight title
25 Win 25–0 Thailand Kongthawat Sorkitti TKO 8 (12) Jan 11, 2002 Indonesia Bandung, Indonesia Retained PABA featherweight title
24 Win 24–0 Indonesia Soleh Sundava RTD 6 (12), 3:00 Nov 9, 2001 Indonesia Kaliwates Youth Arena, Jember, Indonesia Won PABA featherweight title
23 Win 23–0 Thailand Kongthawat Sor Kitti PTS 10 Jul 27, 2001 Indonesia Karawang, Indonesia
22 Win 22–0 Philippines Fernando Montilla TKO 7 (10) Apr 4, 2001 Indonesia Indosiar Studios, Jakarta, Indonesia
21 Win 21–0 Indonesia Leed Shabu KO 3 (12) Mar 29, 2001 Indonesia Bogor, Indonesia Retained Indonesia featherweight title
20 Win 20–0 Thailand Vichit Chuwanata PTS 10 Dec 22, 2000 Indonesia Jakarta, Indonesia
19 Win 19–0 Uzbekistan Uygun Siddikov KO 6 (10) Sep 29, 2000 Indonesia Jakarta, Indonesia
18 Win 18–0 Philippines Baby Lorona Jr. UD 10 Aug 24, 2000 Indonesia Jakarta, Indonesia
17 Win 17–0 Thailand Khongsuriya Sitkanongsak KO 9 (10) May 26, 2000 Indonesia Jakarta, Indonesia
16 Win 16–0 Indonesia Moses Seran KO 3 (12) May 5, 2000 Indonesia Jakarta, Indonesia Won vacant Indonesia Boxing Association featherweight title
15 Win 15–0 Philippines Joseph Paden KO 2 (10) Jan 28, 2000 Indonesia Jakarta, Indonesia
14 Win 14–0 Thailand Vichit Chuwatana KO 2 (10) Dec 23, 1999 Indonesia Semarang, Indonesia
13 Win 13–0 Indonesia Virgo Warouw PTS 10 Nov 19, 1999 Indonesia Jakarta, Indonesia
12 Win 12–0 Indonesia Muhammad Alfaridzi KO 12 (12) Jun 6, 1999 Indonesia Indosiar Studios, Jakarta, Indonesia Won vacant Indonesia featherweight title
11 Win 11–0 Indonesia Taji Atmojo PTS 10 Jun 6, 1999 Indonesia Jakarta, Indonesia
10 Win 10–0 Indonesia Hasan Lobubun KO 1 (8) Apr 2, 1999 Indonesia Jakarta, Indonesia
9 Win 9–0 Indonesia Hasan Ambon PTS 10 Mar 5, 1999 Indonesia Jakarta, Indonesia
8 Win 8–0 Indonesia Herry Makawimbang PTS 10 Feb 5, 1999 Indonesia Jakarta, Indonesia
7 Win 7–0 Indonesia Salim Ayuba PTS 10 Dec 4, 1998 Indonesia Jakarta, Indonesia
6 Win 6–0 Indonesia Kris Wuritimur PTS 8 Nov 6, 1998 Indonesia Tangerang, Indonesia
5 Win 5–0 Indonesia Ampi Lealesi TKO 5 (8) Oct 10, 1998 Indonesia Tangerang, Indonesia
4 Win 4–0 Indonesia Riston Manalu TKO 3 (8) Sep 5, 1998 Indonesia RCTI Studios, Jakarta, Indonesia
3 Win 3–0 Indonesia Guci Halim Fidal PTS 8 Aug 5, 1998 Indonesia Indosiar Studios, Jakarta, Indonesia
2 Win 2–0 Indonesia Nurdin Pase TKO 2 (6) Jul 6, 1998 Indonesia Indosiar Studios, Jakarta, Indonesia
1 Win 1–0 Indonesia Firman Kanda PTS 6 Jun 4, 1998 Indonesia Tangerang, Indonesia Professional debut

References

  1. "Ini Basic English". February 21, 2014.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Biography Chris John - boxer Indonesia". March 3, 2012.
  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.
  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.
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
New title Indonesia Boxing Association 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
Vacant
Title last held by
Derrick Gainer
WBA featherweight champion
November 1, 2003 – June 27, 2009
Regular title until August 22, 2005
Promoted
Succeeded by
Yuriorkis Gamboa
as Regular champion;
promoted from interim status
Vacant
Title last held by
Juan Manuel Márquez
WBA featherweight champion
Super title

June 27, 2009 – July 14, 2010
Status changed
Vacant
Title next held by
Yuriorkis Gamboa
as Unified champion
Vacant
Title last held by
Himself
WBA featherweight champion
Super title

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

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