Chavez Sr: Fonfara Will Prepare My Son For Carl Froch

By Miguel Rivera

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. has a very tough fight ahead, when he faces Polish light heavyweight contender Andrzej Fonfara on April 18th. Chavez Sr. says the contest is taking place at a catch-weight of 172-pounds at a venue in either Las Vegas or Los Angeles. For Chavez Jr. (48-1-1, 32KO), the fight with Fonfara (26-3, 15KO) will be his first ring appearance in over a year. 

There is still a contractual dispute between Chavez Jr. with promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank, but the elder Chavez is not worried about that.

He says the contest with Fonfara will prepare his son for a future fight, hopefully in the summer, with IBF/WBA 'regular' super middleweight champion Carl Froch. Chavez Sr. says Fonfara's selection as the comeback opponent was strategic for their upcoming plans.

"The conflict with Bob Arum is being taken care of by lawyers but everything is on track. Chavez Jr.'s fight against Fonfara will be done with or without Arum. Julio will reappear in Los Angeles or Las Vegas. The fight is at 172 pounds with Fonfara, who already fought for a world championship. He wanted to grab that fight because [Fonfara] has a style that is similar to Froch - because after that bout, he can go for the world championship against [Froch]," Chavez Sr. said.

"Honestly, I did not agree with taking this fight, but I do think the style of Fonfara is similar to Froch and therefore Julio grabbed the fight, because he is interested in knowing whether or not he is ready to go for a world title against a strong opponent."