INQUIRER Sports

HOUSTON -- Undefeated Indonesian Chris John will risk his World Boxing Association featherweight title next month in his US debut against Rocky Juarez in his 2000 Olympian rival's hometown.

The February 28 showdown will serve as a co-feature with Mexican star Juan Manuel Marquez's lightweight matchup against American Juan Diaz.

John, 42-0 with one drawn and 22 knockouts, won his crown with a 2003 split decision over Colombian Oscar Leon and has defended the throne with nine wins and a draw since, making him one of the longest-tenured current champions.

The 29-year-old from Jakarta has never before performed in a US venue in more than a decade as a pro fighter, but a victory over Juarez, 28-4 with 20 knockouts, could set him on a course for richer fights and showcase opponents.

"This is an important moment in my life and my career - to not only defend my title against a worthy challenger like Rocky Juarez, but to do so fighting in the United States for the first time," John said.

"I promise all my fans that I will give my best as always and I hope to make even more fans in Houston."

That will require some conversion, since hometown hero Juarez took a silver medal at the Sydney Olympics and won his first 23 pro fights before losing his first title fight to Mexico's Humberto Soto by unanimous decision in 2005.

Juarez's other losses have come in his other title fights, all three for the World Boxing Council super featherweight crown, the most recent a unanimous decision defeat 14 months ago at the hands of Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez.

But Juarez, 28, stopped former world champion Jorge Rodrigo Barrios last September to earn another title chance.

"I'm grateful for this opportunity and I've always felt that I'm at my best when my back's against the wall," Juarez said. "I'm fighting this fight as if it's my last and I won't disappoint my hometown fans. I will win the title."

Promoter Oscar de la Hoya is happy to bring John to America in only his third fight outside his homeland, the others in 2005 at Australia and last October in Tokyo when he took a unanimous decision over Japan's Hiroyuki Enoki.

"Chris John has been one of boxing's most consistent world champions," de la Hoya said. "We're excited to finally bring him to the United States."