Chi makes second successful title defense

Chi In-jin defeated Australian Tommy Browne to retain his World Boxing Council title in a featherweight match at the Seoul Grand Hilton Hotel Convention Center on Sunday. This was the second title match for Korea’s sole professional boxing champion.
The decision was a unanimous one by the judges: 120-107, 117-112, 119-108. Chi has a record of 30 wins, one draw and two losses, including 19 knockouts. Browne was seeded 22nd in the same weight class.
Chi, 32, Korea’s 51st champion, won the title after beating Michael Brodie of Britain in April last year, with a knockout in the seventh round. Chi succeeded in retaining his title by knocking out Eiichi Sugama in the 10th round in July.
Although there was no knockout or down in the second title match, it was a stormy one, as Chi attacked Browne using jabs, hooks and uppercuts from the beginning. Chi trained in the Philippines last year and the training seemed to have paid off.
Browne, 22, however, endured the punches and covered his face and abdomen completely. Browne did not release his arms except when he was hit on the side.
Chi’s strong left hook made Browne stagger in the first round. Except in the second round, when they exchanged blows, Chi led the match. Browne kept on defense, but when Chi seemed to tire in the ninth round, he sent four successful counterpunches to Chi’s face. “I tried to have a knockout win and please the fans, but Browne kept on the defensive and made it difficult,” Chi said.

by Chang Hye-soo