By Jake Donovan - Given the set weight limit, you can figuratively and literally say this weekend represents the biggest fight of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr’s career.
The second-generation boxer takes on Top 10 light heavyweight contender Andrzej Fonfara, in what marks his first bout in over a year. The 13+ month break was forced in large part due to a drawn-out legal battle with estranged promoter Top Rank, with the final terms only recently worked out to allow Chavez Jr. to resume with a career many believe remains unfulfilled.
Between the down time and his past training habits (or lack thereof), there exists legitimate concern that he’s biting off more than he can chew in this weekend’s headliner at StubHub Center in Carson, California. Even with a catchweight of 172 lbs. in place, the onus is on Chavez Jr. to prove he has enough left to offer the sport, and not that he’s just coasting along on his famous father’s coattails.
For what it’s worth, the former middleweight titlist – just 29 years old and with time left to carve out something more positive of his career – is talking up a good game, well aware of the bad memories he’s left behind and that a new day is in store.
“I’m training very well,” Chavez Jr. promises. “I’m training (at a higher) level than the best. I’m doing more physical training (and I’m getting closer to the) weight of 172 pounds. And I think I’m in great shape, you know? I have a lot of time and don’t stay in this kind of shape.”
