Chrisjon retains WBA title after head-on collision

Musthofid, The Jakarta Post/Tenggarong, East Kalimantan

Indonesian World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight champion Chrisjon retained his crown in a technical draw after a title bout against Jose Rojas was stopped after four rounds here on Friday.

Referee Abainza Silvestre stopped 12-round maximum match at Rondong Demang Stadium in Tenggarong, East Kalimantan, one minute and 19 seconds into the fourth round following an accidental head-on-head crack that cut the temples of both fighters.

The Philippine referee said the bleeding was too serious for the defending champion to continue the fight in accordance with WBA rules.

According to ring doctor Tommy Halauwet, Chrisjon suffered a four-centimeter-long slash, while Rojas was cut 1.5 centimeters.

WBA first vice president Yang Suk-Shim said: "As an accident stopped the bout in the fourth round, the match should be declared a technical draw, however, Chrisjon should remain the World Champion."

The second defense of his title, Chrisjon dominated his Venezuelan contender, who had been given a shot after American Derrick Gainer refused to meet the Indonesian, in a match held outdoors.

After a lackluster first two rounds, Chrisjon initiated an attack in the third round with a series of right hooks and straights, forcing Rojas to clinch.

Chrisjon now has a record of 34-1-0 with 19 knockouts while the southpaw Rojas is 19-6-0 with 12 knockouts.

In an undercard bout, Pan Asia Boxing Association (PABA) champion Daudy Bahari scored a lopsided 78-74, 78-73, 78-73 win over Thai No. 1 Detcha in a welterweight non-title fight.

Attacking-minded Daudy sent his opponent to the floor in the fourth round with his legs stretched flat. The Thai beat the count, which he protested, claiming he was slipping off a wet floor.

In the eighth round, a powerful punch by Daudy landed square in Det's face, sending him staggering. That time Det was too dazed to complain.

Earlier in the night, local boxer Hengky Tobias beat Venich Sabooyoko of Thailand in a unanimous decision in their lightweight match.

Sabooyoko looked dominant throughout the bout but a late offensive by the Indonesian in the last two rounds apparently impressed the judges, who scored the bout 78-75, 78-75, 78-75 for Hengky.