Photos and story by Brett Bonetti
Then reproduce the story of journalist Brett Bonetti of fightnews.com
A press conference was held today at The Marina Bay Sands Resort in Singapore to announce biggest fight card ever seen in Singapore. Indonesian superstar and current undefeated WBA World Featherweight Champion Chris “The Dragon” John (46-0-2, 22 KO’s) will make the 16th defence of his title against the might of Japan, Shoji Kimura (24-4-2, 9 KO’s) at The Marina Bay Sands Resort in Singapore on Saturday 5th May, 2012. Also on the card is rising star young Daud ‘Cino’ Jordan (28-2, 22 KO’s) who will face up against the undefeated Filipino Lorenzo ‘Thunderbolt’ Villaneuva (24-0, 23 KO’s) to see who will take home the IBO World Featherweight Title.
Promoters Angelo Hyder and Raja Sapta Oktohari believe with the support of Marina Bay Sands, this double World Title Fight will be the beginning of the rise of Asian boxing. “The biggest and the best fights in Asia will now be in the best venue in Asia, The Marina Bay Sands.” Oktohari said.
Marina Bay Sands Senior Vice President of Marketing Mark Juliano hopes that the double world championship at Marina Bay Sands which will be its first involvement in professional boxing will help develop the image of the extensive resort like the MGM Grand or Mandalay Bay.
The undefeated Chris John who has been the WBA featherweight champion since 2004 and also holds an impressive victory over Juan Manuel Marquez said “this is the year of the Dragon, I will knock out all my opponents this year starting with Kimura”.
I want this to be the most exciting fight ever seen in Asia, I will throw punches from the first bell until the referee stops the fight and I have knocked out Kimura” John said.
Shoji Kimura said “I have proved I am worthy to fight a great champion like Chris John.
Chris John’s people want a war, they want a fighter who will come to fight, I am that fighter and I will stand and fight with Chris John”
“One of us will be knocked out, this fight will not go the distance and I will be the new champion” Kimura said.
