By Steve Kim
On May 6th, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. will face Mexican rival Saul "Canelo" Alvarez in a highly publicized bout at a catch-weight of 164.5-pounds.
What's not clear is just who will be training Chavez Jr. for this bout. At the moment, Chavez is in Mexico and being trained by his uncle, Rodolfo Chavez.
In several recent interviews, Chavez Jr. has mentioned that he's very interested in securing the services of his former trainer, Freddie Roach. However, it appears that Roach will not be involved.
While speaking as an in-studio guest on 'the 3 Knockdown Rule' with Mario Lopez, Roach said - "I like the dad, I want to help the dad, I want to help the kid win the fight also. The thing is my schedule is really busy right now and it's going to run right through the (Manny Pacquiao) camp - if that fight does happen with Pacquiao."
Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank, is trying to finalize a deal for a fight with 2012 Australian Jeff Horn sometime in April. Arum has yet to reach a deal with Pacquiao on the terms.
"They made an offer [to trainer Chavez Jr. for the fight]," continued Roach. "They want me to come for the last two weeks and I said, 'Well, I don't think two weeks is enough."
But the noted trainer does believe Chavez Jr. - just with his sheer size and strength - can give Alvarez problems.
"'Canelo' is getting better all the time I feel and he's becoming a pretty good fighter and I think Chavez's biggest advantage is his size and strength. He should just swarm this guy and be all over him because if you let him come to you he's a very, very hard puncher coming forward. He can't fight much going backwards."
Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.
