By Rafael Soto
San Antonio, Texas - The world ranked unbeaten Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and his opponent, Irishman John Duddy, promised a big fight this Saturday when they meet in the main event on the "Latin Fury 15" event in the Alamodome in Texas and televised on pay-per-view
The press conference was held by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer and Tecate beer. The conference was addressed by the founder of Top Rank, Bob Arum. Also present was the president of the Tijuana-based Zanfer, Fernando Beltran. "Latin Fury 15" will be broadcast on pay-per-view to world and broadcast in Mexico on TV Azteca, the House of Boxing.
"This is the most important fight of my career and I prepared very well because I know I have a very strong opponent. I think that I will win on Saturday and it will be a great fight," Chavez Jr. said.
In the co-feature bout of the night, the three-time world champion Marco Antonio Barrera (65-7, 43 KOs) will face the Brazilian Adilton of Jesus (26-4, 21 knockouts). Also, Gabriel Elizondo will face Raul Martinez at super flyweight and Tomas Villa squares off with Salvador Sanchez at featherweight.
"I think this is one of the most competitive events on the Latin Fury series, especially the stellar fight between Chavez Jr. and Duddy where there is no clear favorite and both fighters can win," said Bob Arum, Founder and Executive Director of Top Rank.
Chavez Jr. (40-0-1, 30 KOs) of Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico and Duddy (29-1, 18 KO's) from Derry, Ireland will fight for the silver middleweight title of the World Boxing Council (WBC) and the winner will become the mandatory challenger for the middleweight championship of the WBC.
"We know that a victory in this fight will bring us very close to getting a title shot. I'm sure it will be a memorable battle," said Duddy.
Fernando Beltran, president of Zanfer said he has known Chavez Jr. since childhood, since his father conquered the world of boxing and has supported the son of the legend, especially since his debut in professional boxing and never has he seen him as prepared physically as he is now.
"I know that Roach and his team did a lot, but I recognize the attitude of no surrender to Julio Jr. and that gives us confidence that this Saturday he will present his best performance against a dangerous opponent in Duddy," said the Mexican promoter during their participation in the conference.
Chavez completely changed his corner and joined trainer Freddie Roach and his entire team for five weeks in Los Angeles, California.
Barrera (65-7, 43 KO's) of Mexico City will face De Jesus (26-4, 21 KO's) of Bahia, Brazil in a ten round fight, Barrera's first fight in 15 months.
"I want to be the first Mexican to win four championships in four different weight categories and why I'm here with Top Rank who will help me achieve the goal that I have still in boxing, but I must first defeat of Jesus and then look for that dream of a lightweight belt, "said Barrera, 35.
DeJesus expects a very strong fighter and a win over a legendary champion like Barrera.
"I came very well prepared and I have great confidence that such preparation will help me get the biggest win of my career against a great boxer like Marco Antonio," said De Jesus.
In a duel that has aroused much interest among the fans, Martinez (26-1, 15 KO's) will be measured against Elizondo for the Texas state title at super flyweight. Both are from San Antonio.
"San Antonio has been without a world champion for a long time. The last one was Jesse James Leija. Gabriel and I are regarded as world champions following the our great amateur careers. Elizondo is a good friend, but this is a business and will be a great opportunity for both of us to shine on big event," said Martinez.
In the fight that will televised on TV, Salvador Sanchez II of Tianguistenco, Mexico is measured against Tomas Villa, a resident of Midland, Texas but a native of Oginaga, Chihuahua in a fight agreed for at eight rounds in the featherweight division.
"This an opportunity to appear on a big event to show my talent. I am working with a new team and you will see the results of this great preparation this Saturday," said Sanchez II, who trained in Big Bear, California under the tutelage of Abel Sanchez.
Also in action and televised on the internet, undefeated young prospects Joseph Benavidez (6-0, 6 KO's) of Phoenix, Arizona and Omar Henry (9-0, 6 KO) of Houston, Texas. Benavidez will face Josh Beeman (4-6-2, 2 KOs) of Providence, Rhode Island in a four rounder, and Henry will clash with Hilario Lopez (12-9, 8 KO's) of Nampa, Indiana.