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Chris John a Professional Boxer from Indonesia

Chris John, also known as Yohannes Christian “Chris”, was a former professional boxer from Indonesia who competed from 1998 to 2013. He was born on September 14, 1979. From 2004 to 2013, he held the WBA (Super) featherweight title, the second-longest reign in the history of division after Johny Kilbane, the US Boxer. Chris John’s stance is orthodox style.

The second highest number of featherweight boxers John faced during his reign in terms of title defenses was 16, who he faced after Eusebio Peroza, a Panamanian Boxer.

After Muhammad Rachman, Nico Thomas, and Ellyas Pical, Chris (The Dragon) John is the fourth boxer from Indonesia to win a world championship. After suffering his only career defeat to Simpiwe Vetyeka, John announced his retirement from boxing in 2013.

Chris John as Professional Boxer

John began his professional career in 1997 as “Thin Man” before announcing his new nickname “The Dragon” which he used for his boxing professional career. In his first professional fight, John defeated local fighter Word Kanda by knockout. Chris John’s reputation grew when he knocked out the National Featherweight Champion, Muhammad Afaridzi, in 12 rounds in his sixth fight. John was knocked down twice in round one, but he recovered by knocking Alfaridzi down in round 12. Chris John claimed that his nose was bleeding profusely as a result of a broken nose suffered in the first round.

Moreover, Chris won the PABA Featherweight title after defeating Dae-Kyun Park. On September 26, 2003, John was given the opportunity to face hard-hitting Oscar Leon of Colombia for the WBA Featherweight title in Bali. John was ranked #8 in the world by The Ring (and #10 pound-for-pound), while Oscar was ranked #5 in the world and #5 pound-for-pound. Oscar’s second title defense in his career. His first fight ended in a twelve-round split decision loss to then-WBA Featherweight Champion Derrick Gainer.

While both fighters were in their mid-20s, Oscar possessed several physical advantages over John, including an inch of height and five inches of reach. The 12-round fight that Chris John won to claim The WBA Featherweight title was decided by a split decision.

Chris John’s Award as Wushu Athlete

The WBA named John as The Fighter of the decade for the 2000s in a ceremony held in Panama City on February 29, 2012. Roy Jones Jr. Previously held this award for his accomplishments in the 1990s.

John is a professional boxer as well as a member of the National Wushu Team. Among his many accomplishments as a wushu athlete are:

• Bronze medalist at the South East Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2001;

• Gold medalist at the South East Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, in 1997;

• Gold medalist, Indonesian multi-event games (National Olympic), Jakarta, in 1996;

• Indonesian Wushu Championship gold medalist.

Chris John and Manny Pacquiao

The Featherweight division of boxing is primarily dominated by Mexicans, Afro-Americans, Filipinos, and even a few Thai fighters. However, unlike Manny Pacquiao, Chris has remained in the background on his home continent without being able to gain international appeal.

Photos details: Both boxing legendaries, Manny Pacquiao from The Philippines and Chris John from Indonesia share the photo session together when Pacquiao visited Indonesia. John posted his thought through his official Instagram account regarding Manny Pacquiao’s retirement.

According to US media hype, he might not be the world’s most interesting man. Nonetheless, he has held the title of World Featherweight Champion for a very long time!

Photos details: From John’s official Instagram account, Manny Pacquiao visited Mount Merapi in Indonesia, accompanied by Chris John, an Indonesian boxer.

Few people, with the exception of Indonesians and knowledgeable boxing fans, could identify him by hearing his name.