Looks like WBC featherweight champion Injin Chi won't be facing Japanese challenger Ryuhei Sugita in April. Chi has reportedly decided to bypass that fight and next face Rocky Juarez in June.
Source
We all know this was coming. Even before Juarez stopped Ramirez, they were already talking about a possible July fight against Chi. And for those who don't know, Juarez is currently ranked #1 by the WBC for Chi's belt. I think this would be Juarez' thoughest fight and might even answer some questions. And I'm still undecided.
EDIT (April 1): Juarez Challenges Chi on July 15!
March 31, 2005 - Sources close to the situation have informed Boxingtalk that featherweight contender Rocky Juarez will challenge In Jin Chi for the WBC title on July 15, 2005. Juarez-Chi will headline an ESPN2 Friday Night Fight show and word is Main Events is looking to stage the show at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California. With Manny Pacquiao announcing his inention to remain at 130 pounds, Chi and Marquez were promoted to #2 and #3 respectively in the Boxingtalk ratings. In other featherweight news, promoter Frank Warren announced that Boxingtalk's #5 featherweight, Scott Harrison will defend the WBO version of the 126-pound title against Michael Brodie, #7 in our ratings. The bout will take place in Manchester, UK, on June 3, 2005. Boxingtalk will continue to keep you updated, until then, Remember where you heard it first!
Source
EDIT (April 12): Chi-Juarez headed to a purse-bid!
April 11, 2005 - Since both sides have been unable to come to terms, the anticipated featherweight title fight between WBC champion In Jin Chi and undefeated mandatory challenger Rocky Juarez is headed to a purse bid. The purse bid will be held at the WBC's offices in Mexico City on Friday afternoon. And in case you didn't know, New Jersey based boxing promoter, Murad Muhammad's M&M Sports is now Chi's exclusive promoter. Juarez-Chi is pencilled in to take place on ESPN2 on July 15.
Source
This is getting exciting in my book. Plus it's on FNF.
possible if he wins this fight.... not like pac cant move back down or chi to move up. that be a nice fight.
man damn if morlaes and pac and barrera, chi and other were at heavyweight with these fights boxing would be in great shape lmao. all the best fights r in weights no one really notices.
Chi-Juarez headed to a purse-bid!
I just read that it's going to a purse bid. And I thought the negotiation was going smooth. But maybe MM has something to do with it. But the good news is, the fight is still schedule for July 15. And lets keep our finger cross that it stays that way.
- D
great match up, both these guys are really good fighters and are hungry. Chi did well against Morales and has a great chin, plus he always comes ready to fight. for Rocky this is his biggest test to date, they said the same about Guty, but, look what happend to him.....can't wait. this fight has potential of being a fight of the year candidate in my eyes, we will only know come fight time.....great match up!!!!!
I pick Juarez UD. Chi's toughness can only get him so far, at least to the score cards. Juarez ain't knocking him out but he will land enough for the decision.
i saw that fight, and in jin chi's face showed nothing of morales' punches! this korean could take on the best in his opponents and spit it out like nothing happened. he is known for his punching power. he has power, chin, and stone-like face. what he lacks: handspeed and footwork.
Im picking juarez regardless,because dude's been looking great, and he trains hard,despite having some lackluster opponents.The guy that gave rocky the most trouble was Zahir Raheem,and it was because of his footwork and speed,he frustrated Juarez,even tho Juarez rocked him a few times,so if this what Chi is lacking(havent seen him fight) it works in favor of juarez,looking forward to a great fight AND ITS FREEEEEEEE. ;) This is gonna test Juarez,but i think he has what it takes to come out of that fight looking very impressive,I think he has a good chin,lets how it holds up.
I think Chi KO's Juarez. I like Rocky and all but I don't see him winning against Chi. I actually had the Morales/Chi fight a draw. I thought Chi could've won that fight, too. Morales is much better than Juarez, too. I don't expect Rocky to go the distance.
Chi is a machine, I don't think Juarez will win. Raheem gave Juarez lots of trouble and Juarez woulda lost that if ref didn't help him even if he was able to get Raheem to take a knee. Chi on the other hand is a fighting machine that will always be in Rocky's face throwing back. Chi might have not got knocked down by Morales though his face showed it. He looked like a battered pumpkin in the end. Chi also goes all out when he sees you hurt as he did vs Brodie twice. This is definitely a TEST because I see this a 50/50.
You can't compare Juarez troubles with Raheem with a fighter like Chi. They have totally different styles and that's what made the Raheem fight more difficult because of his style. Even then I don't think the ref did any of them a favor because he took away Rocky's in fighting by breaking them up so quick.
Chi is tough, strong and in your face but he is also very limited. His style is a perfect fit for Juarez to win against.
Chi is a machine, I don't think Juarez will win. Raheem gave Juarez lots of trouble and Juarez woulda lost that if ref didn't help him even if he was able to get Raheem to take a knee. Chi on the other hand is a fighting machine that will always be in Rocky's face throwing back. Chi might have not got knocked down by Morales though his face showed it. He looked like a battered pumpkin in the end. Chi also goes all out when he sees you hurt as he did vs Brodie twice. This is definitely a TEST because I see this a 50/50.
Thats ridiculous.
Chi has never been knocked down, or out.
Morales landed the kitchen sink on Chi, and I think he hits harder than Juarez.
I actually think Juarez hits harder then Morales when he lands solid with that left hook. I dont know if he can land it or not but if he does Chi will be on the deck. I think the Rock is gonna rise to the occasion and knock Chi out in the 11th round.
I saw the fight, and i dont recall seeing him fouling anymore than any other boxer. Chi is a tough fighter, i loved it when he hit morales on top of the head than smiled. It was classic.
what i do like about the korean is his ability to use his shoulders and arms to wave off opponents in close fights. he use this often in asia and against morales too. some call it dirty tactics, but they are legitimate tactics. he is good in making his opponents lose their composure and fight his own game. like what he did to the japanese, i forgot the name. the japanese is winning almost the entire fight, but chi fought a psy war and made it for him! ugly fight though, very ugly
I saw the fight, and i dont recall seeing him fouling anymore than any other boxer. Chi is a tough fighter, i loved it when he hit morales on top of the head than smiled. It was classic.
This could prove to be a very tough fight for Juarez. Morales had trouble because he wanted to fight on the inside and chi kept butting him, hitting him in the back of the head, and throwing elbows. He does it all very seemlessly very hard to catch. Hopefully Juarez will know what awaits him and retaliate in kind.
i remember this, chi does play dirty... like the last fight he had with a japanese. morales kept his composure, though.
http://www.wbcboxing.com/WBCboxing/Portal/images/gallery/18oct03_chi_01.jpg
chi vs brodie
This could prove to be a very tough fight for Juarez. Morales had trouble because he wanted to fight on the inside and chi kept butting him, hitting him in the back of the head, and throwing elbows. He does it all very seemlessly very hard to catch. Hopefully Juarez will know what awaits him and retaliate in kind.
I think Chi will have the size, endurance and experience coming into this fight. I pick Chi by UD.
i agree with the UD... i think it's about time the korean be given the chance the way they gave manny pacquiao. if it's good for these guys, it's good for asia :boxing: