After Ninth Successful Title Defense Chris John Looks Ahead

By Matthew Hurley: Back in 2006 Chris John won a disputed decision victory over Juan Manuel Marquez with the World Boxing Association featherweight championship on the line. It proved to be the nadir of Marquez’s career and a watershed moment for John. Marquez, whose star was rising after a spirited draw with Manny Pacquiao in 2004, discovered what a slippery slope it is to reach the pinnacle of the sport. Always regarded as a diamond in the rough, Marquez struggled to escape from the shadows of his two more celebrated Mexican countrymen, Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera..

chris john Unable to secure a rematch with Pacquiao, Marquez defended his title twice against Orlando Salido and Victor Polo and then made the odd decision to accept $31,500 to fight John in Indonesia. (At the time Marquez was the WBA ‘super champion’ and John was the ‘regular champion’ – further proof of the lunacy of sanctioning bodies.) After losing a decision, in which he had two points deducted for low blows, Marquez lost whatever clout his title belt provided him and John entered into the public consciousness.

John, 41-0-1 with 22 KOs has now defended the WBA title nine times, most recently this past Saturday night, winning a seventh round technical stoppage over Roinet Caballero. Now, as Marquez continues preparations for his long awaited rematch with Pacquiao on March 15th, his one time conqueror is becoming something of a diamond in the rough himself. Disputed decision against Marquez notwithstanding, John is proving himself to be a worthy title holder and a significant threat to anyone hovering about the featherweight division. And just like everyone else in the 125 to 130 pound range he wants Pacquiao. However, should Marquez defeat Pacquiao, John might be in line for a rematch with ‘Dinamita’ who seems determined to right every wrong he believes has been done to him in his career and punch his ticket into the boxing hall of fame.

John looked particularly impressive against Caballero. He dominated his Panamanian foe from the beginning before unleashing a vicious assault in the sixth and seventh rounds, prompting Caballero’s corner to thro in the towel.

John, whose nickname is the ‘Indonesian Thin Man’ in deference to Nicaraguan legend Alexis Arguello, now appears to be hitting his peak and a foray into big money bouts, at least bigger numbers than he is accustomed to, may lie ahead of him. But chances are Pacquiao won’t bother to knock on his door regardless of the outcome of his showdown with Marquez. A fight with Marquez is more feasible. Should it come about Marquez won’t be fighting for short money, those days are gone, and John, more firmly established as a fighter to be reckoned with, will get the opportunity to prove whether or not his victory over the now surging Mexican warrior was won through bad judging and officiating or if he truly is worthy of the nickname that alludes to the great Alexis Arguello.

In related news, bitter Mexican rivals Morales and Barrera are split as to who they believe will win the rematch between Marquez and Pacquiao.

Morales, who went 1-2 against Pacquiao says that the Filipino icon will emerge victorious. Barrera, who lost twice to Pacquiao and once to Marquez, feels that the Mexican’s boxing skills will lead him to victory.