By Rick Reeno
Artie Pelullo of Banner Promotions, who promotes middleweight contender Bryan Vera (23-7, 14KOs), has advised BoxingScene.com that there are ongoing discussions to stage a December rematch with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (47-1-1, 32KOs). The rematch is likely going to land in a venue located in Texas, according to the current details.
Talks will continue between Pelullo and Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, who is equally interested in staging a rematch.
This past Saturday night at the StubHub Center in Carson, California - Chavez won a controversial ten round unanimous decision over Vera. Almost every ringside observer had scored the contest for Vera - but the three official judges handed down scores of 96-94, 97-93 and a criminal tally of 98-92.
The fight had more than enough controversy in the days leading up to the contest. Because Chavez was unable to make the super middleweight limit of 168-pounds - the fight weight was increased to 173-pounds and the match was downgraded from a twelve to a ten round bout. When the fight discussions initially began a few months ago, the two boxers were going to collide at 163-pounds.
Additionally, because of the huge rating that Chavez-Vera drew (1.4 million viewers), Pelullo tells BoxingScene that HBO is very much on board to televise a second-helping of Chavez-Vera. A tentative date of December 14 is being kicked around.
One thing that Pelullo will not tolerate in a rematch is another weight controversy with Chavez failing to make the contract limit - and Arum appears to be on board with his position.