Chris John Sets His Sights Stateside....

Undefeated Indonesian Chris John will risk his World Boxing Association featherweight title next month in his US debut against Rocky Juarez in the 2000 Olympian’s hometown . The Feb. 28 showdown will serve as part of the undercard to Mexican great Juan Manuel Marquez’s lightweight matchup against American Juan Diaz. Chris, 42-0 with one draw and 22 knockouts, won his crown with a 2003 split decision over Colombian Oscar Leon and has defended the throne with nine wins and a draw since, making him one of the longest-tenured current champions. The 29-year-old from Banjarnegara, Central Java Province, a pro for more than a decade, has never fought in the US. But a victory over Juarez, who is 28-4 with 20 knockouts, could set him on a course for richer fights and showcase opponents. Of his 10 title defenses, Chris fought abroad four times — three in Japan and one in Australia — while the rest of his bouts were in Indonesia, with five in Jakarta and one in Tenggarong, East Kalimantan Province. On Dec. 28, after two months of rest since his last fight, a bout against Hiroyuki Enoki in Tokyo last October, Chris went to Australia to train at Harry’s Gym in Perth with his Australian manager and coach Craig Christian. Before going to US, he plans to briefly visit his family in Semarang. “This is an important moment in my life and my career — to not only defend my title against a worthy challenger like Rocky Juarez, but to do so fighting in the United States for the first time,” Chris said. “I promise all my fans that I will give my best, as always, and I hope to make even more fans in Houston.” That will take some doing. Hometown hero Juarez won a silver medal at the Sydney Olympics and won his first 23 pro fights before losing his first title fight to Mexico’s Humberto Soto by unanimous decision in 2005. Juarez’s other losses have come in title fights, all three for the World Boxing Council super featherweight crown, and most recently from a unanimous decision defeat 14 months ago at the hands of Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez. But Juarez, 28, stopped former world champion Jorge Rodrigo Barrios last September to earn another shot at the title. “I’m grateful for this opportunity, and I’ve always felt that I’m at my best when my back’s against the wall,” Juarez said. “I’m fighting this fight as if it’s my last and I won’t disappoint my hometown fans.” Promoter Oscar de la Hoya said he was happy to bring John to America in only his fifth fight outside his homeland. “Chris John has been one of boxing’s most consistent world champions,” de la Hoya said. “We’re excited to finally bring him to the United States.” Chris is in the midst of a three-year contract with Golden Boy Promotions, which is owned by De la Hoya. AFP, Antara