Chris John Outpoints Rojas in Enthralling World Title Defense

03.03.07 - By Harry Summers Jr.: WBA 126lb titlist Chris “The Dragon” John successfully defended his strap for the sixth time with a clear-cut decision over spirited Venezuelan Jose “Cheo” Rojas on Saturday night at the Bung Karno Indoor Tennis Stadium, in Senayan, Jakarta, Indonesia. Scores were all in favour of the now 39-0-1 (20 KOs) Indonesian native 118-108, 117-107, and 116-110..

The rematch of a December 2004 four-round technical draw was worthy of its world title billing. 27-year-old John started fast, knocking down the 35-year-old Rojas (23-6-1, 15 KOs) in rounds two and four. But Rojas battled back, constantly pressing the champion in the middle rounds and exchanging furiously on the inside. It turned into a bloody war when John was cut due to an accidental head clash (the wound required 10 stitches to close). Thereafter the heated action continued with both combatants rocking one another with power laden rights, but it was the Craig Christian-trained John that finished stronger. He battered perennial contender Rojas in the final two rounds, hitting him with everything and the figurative kitchen sink, and although the South American warrior proved his intestinal fortitude by surviving, the outcome was never in question.

John’s team is now eagerly awaiting the outcome of the March 17 all-Mexican showdown between Juan Manuel Marquez and Marco Antonio Barrera. In March 2006 John outpointed the long-time elite featherweight Marquez in Borneo Island, Indonesia. He’s now intent on making history and fighting the winner of the forthcoming superfight in Las Vegas. No Indonesian has won a world title contest to date on American soil