By Rick Reeno
Trainer Freddie Roach told BoxingScene.com that he believes former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (46-1-1, 32KOs) will retain the services of Robert Garica, who trains a solid stable of fighters in Oxnard, California.
Chavez hired Roach a few years ago, and their training camps have been chaotic at times. The last camp, which directly contributed to Chavez's twelve round decision loss to Sergio Martinez in September, was one of the worst training experiences in Roach's career. Chavez skipped numerous training sessions and often ignored Roach's advice.
After the loss to Martinez, Chavez tested positive for marijuana. He appears before the Nevada State Athletic Commission on February 28. The NSAC will issue an undetermined fine and suspension on the date of the hearing.
Roach has not heard from anyone with respect to training Chavez again. It's an open secret that Julio tried to hire veteran coach Nacho Beristain, but the two parties were unable to reach a financial agreement.
Roach was advised that strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza, and Chavez's manager Billy Keane, were trying to get Chavez hooked in with Garcia.
"I havent heard from anyone. I heard they were trying to hire Nacho. I said Nacho wouldn't put up with his bullsh*t. I honestly think that he'll end up in Oxnard, because Alex Ariza was up there kissing ass. Alex was down there with him, and Billy Keane. They are trying to get someone to train him, but they've had no luck so far. I would love to train him if he comes to the gym every day, but if it's going to be like last time - don't bother me," Roach told BoxingScene.com.
Ariza, who is currently in Mexico training Chavez and has no idea who the boxer will select as his trainer, told BoxingScene:
"I'm sorry that Freddie feels that way, but it's not my decision. I have no say on who Julio picks as his trainer," Ariza said.
