Boxing: Indonesia’s John retains crown in technical draw

Indonesian WBA (World Boxing Association) featherweight champion Chris John (L) lands his punch on the face of Japanese challenger Satoshi Hosono (R) during the WBA featherweight title in Jakarta on April 14, 2013. Chris John reatained his title by technical draw after Hosono’s headbutt on the second round injured the champion with big cut above the right eye. AFP / ADEK BERRY

JAKARTA – Undefeated World Boxing Association featherweight champion Chris John of Indonesia Sunday retained his title in a technical draw after a headbutt left a deep cut over his right eye.

The bout with Japan’s Satoshi Hosono at the indoor tennis stadium in Jakarta was stopped by the referee at two minutes and 12 seconds into round three after a head butt by Hosono left John with a bloody gash over his right eye.

John, 33, defended his title for the 18th time after a tie was declared. With the latest result, his record stands at 48 wins, three draws and no losses – putting him within reach of the benchmark set by Mexican great Ricardo Lopez, who retired undefeated with 51 victories.

“Honestly, I’m not satisfied with my performance. But I suffered a serious injury that forced me to stop,” he told the stadium packed with cheering Indonesian fans.

“I hope to compete again to satisfy my fans in Indonesia,” he added.

Sunday’s result left Hosono, ranked sixth in the WBA, with 23 wins, including 17 KOs against two defeats and a draw.

In a more exciting bout, Indonesia’s second biggest boxing star Daud Yordan lost his International Boxing Organization featherweight title to underdog Simpiwe Vetyeka from South Africa.

They fought neck and neck at a hectic pace until Vetyeka scored a TKO in the 12th and final round after he floored Daud and the referee stopped the fight.