KTI : CHRIS JOHN'S VICTORY PRESENT FOR RI PEOPLE

Jakarta, Sept 22 (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Boxing Commission (KTI) hailed the victory of boxer Chris John over Rocky Juarez in Las Vegas last Saturday, saying it was a present for the Indonesian people.

KTI chief Anton Sihombing said here on Tuesday that the victory to defend the 12th WBA title was gained right at the end of the fasting month of Ramadhan so it was like a present for the people who had just concluded their fasting month.

"I am proud of his effort to defend the championship 12 times. He said he once was worried if he would be able to win the bout against the US opponent," he said.

Anton said Chris was a talented boxer. Although he had been disturbed by problems he was still able to defend his championship.

A boxer must have a champion's mentality like what Chris has if he wants to defend his title, he said. He said although Chris did not have a killing punch, he was able to maintain his champion's title.

This proves the 30-year-old boxer deserves high praise, he said.

He said he hoped Chris' victory would be followed by other victories by other boxers in the country. He said it was only after 16 years of champion era of Elly Pical and Nico Thomas that Chris John emerged with his title.

He said he hoped other boxers in the country would follow him so that after Chris resigned there would be others who emerge to replace him and thus assure continuity of development in the country's boxing.

He admitted it was not easy to produce boxers of Chris' calibre. ***5***
(H-YH/A/HAJM/21:00/S012)