by James Slater – It’s fair to say, though the WBA featherweight title fight between defending champion Chris John of Indonesia and Rocky Juarez of Texas, US was close, most fans feel the visiting champion was hard done by in getting only a draw after the 12 rounds of action had come to an end.
No, the 114-114X3 verdict handed in by the three judges was not one of the worse in recent boxing history, but had the fight taken place anywhere other than Juarez’ hometown of Houston there is a good chance “The Dragon” would have wound up with yet another W on his fine record. This seems to be the opinion of most, anyway.
Naturally, one of the people who thinks a win should have gone to the champion is the 29-year-old champion himself. According to The Jakarta Post, the WBA ruler is now wanting a rematch with the Texan, but he will only take the return if the fight is staged in a neutral location – such as Las Vegas or Los Angeles, both sites being ones in which John would be happy to fight a second bout against Rocky.
As controversial as the first fight was, it was also a damn good contest, with a lot of good, fan-pleasing action. As such, a part two would likely be welcomed. And, let’s not forget, Juarez also feels he won the fight. The 28-year-old would also relish the opportunity of doing it again no doubt.
John told the newspaper he has asked his team to set up a return match.
“I have yet to know when we will have a rematch,” John said. “I have asked for my coach-come-manager Craig Christian to handle the rematch. I’m ready for a rematch. I will take the opportunity offered to me that will be beneficial for my career. I believe my management will make the best choice for me.”
John’s assistant manager Tony Priatna had more to say on the subject, and said that money has nothing to do with his fighter wanting a return fight with Juarez.
“According to match statistics, Chris performed better,” Priatna said. “It’s definitely nothing to do with the money.”
Some have made the suggestion that the still unbeaten featherweight should maybe make a move up in weight to super-feather. John says he may do so one day, but that again it is up to his trusted team.
“At the moment I’m really enjoying the featherweight class,” John said. “But if the promotion is favourable to me, then why not [move up in weight]?”
Now that US fans have seen how good the 29-year-old is in person, and now that he has the support and even the sympathy of them due to the decision that did not go his way, John could take a number of potentially pleasing fights in America in the near future. John Vs. the top guys at 130-pounds would sure be something to see, as would John going up against his main rivals at 126.
Right now, however, there is one man and one man only on “The Dragon’s” hit list – Ricardo “Rocky” Juarez.