By Michele Emrick
For almost ten years, Chris John has been the WBA featherweight champion. He has continually fought what most consider to be sub par competition, mostly in Indonesia. And while many are focused on Floyd Mayweather’s pursuit of Rocky Marciano’s 49-0 record, it was actually Chris John who was poised to match that mythical undefeated record.
However, that all came to a crashing end when John suffered his first professional loss when he was unable to continue following the sixth round of his fight with South Africa’s Simpiwe Vetyeka in Australia.
John (48-1-3) remained on his stool following the sixth after sustaining a beating, particularly in the fifth and sixth frames. The sixth round also included the long serving champion tasting the canvas.
The Indonesian fighter fought in a reckless manner throughout the fight. Despite having a large reach and height advantage over his opponent, he frequently got in wild exchanges, choosing not to use his jab at all.
John’s lack of defense showed in the fifth, and a nice counter right, followed up by a big barrage from Vetyeka obviously hurt the champion. Two times he hit the deck in the round, but in both cases WBA referee Gustavo Padilla ridiculously waved them off.
As the fighters entered the sixth, it was clear that John was still hurt. Yet again, a clear shot dropped John, but it was ruled a slip. Finally, Vetyeka used a double jab, followed by a right that floored the champ, and this time the knockdown stood.
John made it to his feet and was saved by the bell. But it was all academic at that point as he was unable to continue.
The victory for Vetyeka came less than 24 hours after South African icon Nelson Mandella passed away, leaving his nation in mourning. Vetyeka dedicated his win to the fallen activist.
“I dedicate this fight to the former president of South Africa, Mr. Nelson ‘Mandiba’ Mandela. I won this title for him,” said Vetyeka.
Just last year Vetyeka was losing a split decision to a fighter sporting just a 14-9-2 record. Though he is a tough guy, it is clear that his win shows just how suspect the entire reign of Chris John may have been. He has victories over some notable fighters in Juan Manuel Marquez, Rocky Juarez and Derrick Gainer, but in recent years he has stayed either in Indonesia or Australia choosing to pick opponents who offered little in the way of competition. He chose to avoid such fighters as Yuriorkis Gamboa and Juan Manuel Lopez when their names were brought up as potential opponents. Celestino Caballero also desperately wanted to fight John when he was on top.
Perhaps no fighter in recent memory has received as little respect for holding on to his title for as long as John did. And for those who didn’t respect him, it appears their thoughts were justified. Considering his unwillingness to fight meaningful competition, it is likely John is set to fade off into the sunset.
