Chris John staves off Gainer

Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta

Defending World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight champion Chris John took care of business on Friday night with a unanimous decision over American Derrick "Smoke" Gainer.

Before spectators including Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso and politician Amien Rais in the packed Kelapa Gading Sports Mall in North Jakarta, the Indonesian overcame a shaky start and the American's defenses for a popular victory.

The fight went the full 12 rounds, with the three referees scoring it 118-110, 118-111 and 118-109 in the Indonesian's favor.

Both fighters seemed overeager in the opening round, with Chris John given a standing count just seconds into the contest after a blow from southpaw Gainer staggered him.

A few moments later, Gainer lost his footing and also briefly dropped to the mat.

"I didn't expect that he would come out so fast," Chris John said after the bout. "I decided to be a bit more cautious and pick my spots."

In the second round, the 25-year-old native of Banjarnegara, Central Java, took the fight to Gainer, keeping up a relentless flurry of blows as the American huddled on the ropes.

The Indonesian assault continued in the following rounds, but Gainer, who was formerly managed by fellow Pensacolan Roy Jones Jr., maintained his defense-at-all-costs stance.

Gainer, at 1.75 meters, four centimeters taller than his opponent, tried to launch his own attack in round nine. It was then that Chris John revealed his counterpunching skills, forcing back his 32-year-old opponent.

By round 10, the 2000-2003 world champion was clearly tired, dancing out of Chris John's way.

"I could see that his stamina was dropping in the seventh round," Chris John said.

Gainer gave credit to the champion. "He dominated the fight and he beat me. I tried to frustrate him but it didn't work. He did a good job."

Chris John's record is now 36 wins (19 KOs) without a loss.