Chris John heads to LA for rematch against Juarez
Friday, May 29, 2009
WBA world featherweight champion Chris John will depart to Los Angeles on Wednesday for his June 27 rematch against Rocky Juarez.
The first match in Houston on Feb. 28 ended in a controversial draw, with Chris, who dominated his opponent, retaining his title.
The Indonesian camp is looking for a KO win this time.
"I predict there will be a 10th-round KO for Chris," said Chris's coach and manager, Craig Christian of Australia.
Chris expressed relief the rematch would not be in Houston.
"I'm glad to finally have the rematch in LA. It was almost another Houston bout again," Chris said during a media conference Tuesday at the sports ministry office.
"We'll fight more strongly. There's always a chance to KO the opponent. However, I don't want to be burdened by the target. I'll just play to my best," he said.
Chris will have a month to adapt to the local conditions before the rematch planned for the Staples Center in LA on June 27. RCTI will broadcast the bout live for Indonesian viewers.
A day before the match, the World Boxing Association will confer the Super Champion title belt on Chris for his 10 successful defenses of his belt. He becomes the first Asian featherweight boxing champ to have attained this feat.
The ceremony will be held at the Indonesian Consulate General.
Oscar de la Hoya from Golden Boy Promotions agreed to move the rematch from Houston to LA by requiring Chris's camp to purchase 5,000 tickets for the match, each worth US$25 to $50.
"Greater Indonesian audience support in LA will definitely fuel my fighting spirit," Chris said, pointing out there were less than 100 Indonesians at his Houston match.
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