By Miguel Rivera
The left hand facture that Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (49-2-1, 32KOs) suffered in his last fight is far more serious than previously thought. The former WBC middleweight champion was forced to undergo surgery today and it may keep him out until 2016, as he can't hit anything with his left hand for three months.
Chavez Jr. was in action on July 18 in El Paso, Texas, against fellow Mexican Marco Antonio 'Dorado' Reyes, winning by decision after 10 rounds. He suffered the left hand injury during the third and fought through until the end.
He hopes to return in December, but says his next fight may not happen until January of next year. He had previously been planning to fight in October or November.
"It was supposed to be later this month where I could already return to the gym, but the discomfort did not stop and they recommended this doctor. I had further evaluations and they found that the operation is necessary, which changes my plans but I hope to emerge stronger from this," Chavez told ESPN Deportes.
"According to what the doctor told me, I'll go three months without being able to hit anything with that hand. Obviously I'll be running and training. Hopefully I can get back in December, and if not then in January 2016, but I will not be out a lot longer."