By Ben Jacobs
The last time fans in the United States saw Diego Cháves (24-2-1, 20 KOs) was back in December 2014 when he earned a credible draw with Timothy Bradley in Las Vegas.
The question for many has been as to why the Argentine has not been seen in big fights since that date. A proposed bout in the United Kingdom against Kell Brook fell through last year when the Englishman sustained an injury and the fight was never rescheduled.
He last fought on July 22 in his native land, albeit off television and will compete this Saturday, again in Argentina. The reason for his inactivity was explained to BoxingScene.com who reached out to ‘La Joya’ to find out more about his situation.
“I’ve been out of the big leagues since the draw with Timothy Bradley in what was a good performance by me in the US. Because of problems with my manager, contracts and financial issues I’ve been out of the big leagues,” Diego revealed.
“But I think in 2017, around June or July time, maybe even before, I should be able to have those big fights again and I still believe I can be at the top level for a long time.
“I’m just going through a few things with my lawyer and waiting for the contract to end,” he divulged.
While not going too much into specifics due to legal reasons, Cháves revealed that fellow Argentine Jorge Sebastián Heiland also finds himself in a similar situation.
“I know that Sebastian Heiland has the same issue with my ex manager. It was a very frustrating year and seven months out after having a great fight with Tim Bradley, to be on the shelf that long has been a real downer for me. It’s like I’ve had to start again. But I do believe I have the talents to compete with the best.
“I showed, despite the results, that against Keith Thurman, Brandon Ríos, when they unjustly disqualified me and Bradley who at the time was one of the top three pound for pound fighters in my view, that I have the qualities.”
Cháves fights Luis Pablo Zárate in Quilmes, Buenos Aires this Friday night at 154lbs but has plans to return to 147lbs when he is back on the international stage next year.
“I’m fighting again here in Argentina on Friday and it will be at super welterweight but little by little I will be coming back down to welterweight for the big fights.”
