October 22, 2008
TOKYO, JAPAN
Unbeaten WBA feather champ Chris John (41-0-1, 22 KOs), Indonesia, will put his belt on the line against also unbeaten Japanese hard-puncher Hiroyuki Enoki (27-0-2, 19 KOs) on Friday at the Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan. Each was born on the same birthday, September 14, 1979, being twenty-nine years of age, which seems rare and unique.
Today (Wednesday) there was a medical examination at Daido Hospital in the center of Tokyo, where Japanese press people made an interview to the defending champ afterward. Chris John is to Indonesia what Manny Pacquiao is to the Philippines. The Indonesian embassy’s people who attend all events of the promotion since John’s arrival here last Thursday say, “All the nation knows the name of Chris John, who is our country’s national hero by all means.”
Japanese Press: What’s your impression on your challenger Enoki upon your first encounter?
Chris John: He looks a strong boxer. I’ve thought by some tapes he is shorter than I, but Enoki (5’7”) is actually half an inch taller than I.
JP: Why is your body temperature (37.2 degrees Centigrade) so high? Have you been taking exercise?
CJ: No problem. I’m fine.
JP: Your reach (68.75 inches) is shorter than Enoki’s. Do you think it is disadvantageous?
CJ: Just a difference of an inch, which is no problem for me.
JP: Your blood pulse (79) seems high in comparison with Enoki’s (50). Are you nervous?
CJ: No problem.
JP: Enoki will be stronger than you previous Japanese challengers Osamu Sato and Zaiki Takemoto. What do you think?
CJ: No problem.
Craig Christian, John’s Australian manager/trainer, said on his previous public workout, “Chris John will have to show his best to defeat Enoki.” Therefore, was John training hard just before the medical exam? John, who previously defeated Juan Manuel Marquez and Derrick Gainer to his credit, looked in very good condition despite Japanese press’ cynic questions.
The WBA 126-pound title bout, John’s tenth defense, will be shown live to Indonesia, where more than 80% of his compatriots will supposedly watch it with great interests.
(10-22-08)