CHRIS JOHN AND ROCKY JUAREZ

SET TO BATTLE ON FEBRUARY 28 IN HOUSTON ON MARQUEZ-DIAZ CO-FEATURE LIVE ON HBO

UNBEATEN WBA WORLD FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPION JOHN RISKS CROWN IN U.S. DEBUT AGAINST HOMETOWN HERO JUAREZ

LOS ANGELES, January 8 – It’s the homecoming fight Rocky Juarez has dreamed of ever since he turned pro and on Saturday, February 28th at Houston’s Toyota Center, the 2000 US Olympic Silver medalist will have an opportunity to face the premier featherweight in the world, unbeaten WBA World Featherweight Champion Chris John in a 12 round championship bout.

“Chris John has been one of boxing’s most consistent world champions and we’re excited to finally bring him to the United States so the fans here can see him in person,” said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “He’s in for a tough night against Rocky Juarez, who is more determined than ever to capture a world championship. With John looking to impress U.S. fans and Juarez looking for his first world championship, this has all the makings of a great fight.”

The pride of Indonesia, Chris “The Dragon” John (42-0-1, 22 KO’s) is one of the longest reigning champions in boxing today having won his WBA World Featherweight Crown in 2003 with a win over Oscar Leon. John has since defended his title ten times against the likes of standouts such as Osamu Sato, Derrick Gainer, Hiroyuki Enoki and pound for pound great Juan Manuel Marquez, who John decisioned in 2006. Now, fighting for the first time in his ten year career in the United States, the 29-year-old is ready for the big names that will cement his legacy even further.

“This is an important moment in my life and my career – to not only defend my title against a worthy challenger like Rocky Juarez, but to do so fighting in the United States for the first time,” said John. “I promise all my fans that I will give my best as always and I hope to make even more fans in Houston.”

One of the most exciting and courageous warriors in the game today, Ricardo Rocky Juarez (28-4, 20 KO’s) has been thrilling fight fans ever since he took home a Silver Medal for the United States in the 2000 Olympic Games. Juarez went on to win his first 23 pro fights and though he would later fall short in hard-fought title fights against Marco Antonio Barrera (twice), Humberto Soto and Juan Manuel Marquez, a stirring 11th round TKO of Former World Champion Jorge Rodrigo Barrios last September propelled the 28-year-old Houston native back into the world title picture. On February 28th, he hopes to finally strap championship gold around his waist.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity and I’ve always felt that I’m at my best when my back’s against the wall,” said Juarez, who will be competing in his fifth world title bout on February 28th. “I’m fighting this fight as if it’s my last and I won’t disappoint my hometown fans. I will win the title on February 28th.”

John vs. Juarez, a 12 round bout for John’s WBA World Featherweight Championship, is the televised co-feature on the Marquez vs. Diaz undercard. Marquez vs. Diaz, a 12 round bout for Marquez’ Ring Magazine World Lightweight Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and Southwest Airlines. The world title bouts will take place on February 28th from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas and be televised live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing beginning at 10 pm ET / 7 pm PT.

Tickets for Marquez vs. Diaz, priced at $300, $150, $75, $50 and $25, go on sale Friday, January 9 at 10 a.m. CT and are available for purchase, online at www.ToyotaCenterTix.com, by phone at 1-866-4-HOU-TIX and select Houston area Randalls locations. Tickets will be available at the Toyota Center Box Office starting Monday, January 12th at 9 am CT.

Photo by Tom Hogan