The president also hoped that Indonesia would have more promotors.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono expressed appreciation on the success of national boxers Chris John and M.Rachman in defending and winning their respective world championship classes.

The President congratulated the two boxers when they were received by the Head of State at the State Palace Wednesday afternoon.

President Yudhoyono in the company of some of his special aides and Minister, State Secretary Sudi Silalahi, also asked the two fighters to maintain their performance.

The two boxers on the occasion were wearing long sleeved batik shirts and flanked Minister of Youth and Sports Andi Mallarangeng, who said that Chris John had been defending his world title 14 times since 2003, while M Rachman (39) had recently snatched the mini flyweight title from a Thai fighter.

On the occasion Chris John also told about his latest about against Daud "Cino" Yordan last week.

The 31-year old boxer said his win against Daud on points was merely because he was more experienced.

The president also hoped that Indonesia would have more promotors.

M Rachman in the meantime asked for continued government support to its national fighters especially when they were fighting abroad.

He said his team had only four members when going to Thailand.

"When I went to Thailand the other day I lacked support, there were only two of us when leaving from Blitar, but then later two others came from Jakarta," he said.

The meeting with the President which lasted less than an hour, was concluded by a group photo at the Merdeka Palace.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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