Chavez Sr: Would've Rather Had Julio Take Tuneup Bout

By Edward Chaykovsky

Former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. has a tough test ahead of him, according to his legendary father Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. Chavez Jr. will make his Showtime debut on Saturday, April 18, at the StubHub Center in Carson, California. Chavez, Jr. (48-1-1, 32 KOs) will head up against light heavyweight contender Andrzej Fonfara (26-3, 15 KOs) in a 12-round bout.

Chavez Jr. has been inactive since last January's victory over Bryan Vera. That match took place at the super middleweight limit and Vera is more of a middleweight. Chavez Jr. will also have, for the first time, veteran trainer Joe Goossen in his corner.

Because of the inactivity, new trainer, and the danger involved with facing an established light heavyweight like Fonfara - Julio Sr. would have preferred a much easier comeback fight.

"I am here to support and be with my son. I try to give him good advice. I tell him to train and prepare hard, and fortunately he is doing that well," Chavez Sr. said. "I think Joe [Goossen] is doing a great job, we are on the same page. We are all focused on him [Chavez Jr.] getting to the fight well prepared. This fight requires great preparation because he is going into the fight at a weight that's higher than his normal weight and he is facing a very tough opponent.

"He must go in 100 percent to win this fight. I think there has been a 180 degree turn in his career. I see this as a positive because he can really develop his ability and looks very well prepared. I would've liked to have seen him take a tune up fight instead because of his long layoff; I particularly didn't want this fight.

"Julio [Chavez Jr.] wants credibility in this sport and that's why he made the decision to take this fight, even though it's a dangerous decision. He must be very prepared for this fight."