Daniel Jacobs expects to have a fireworks filled clash with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. - when they collide in a super middleweight showdown at the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona on Friday December 20.
Jacobs (35-3 29 KOs) was last seen in action back in May, when he lost a twelve round decision to Canelo Alvarez. He now looks to make a run at 168-pounds after admitting that it's been way too hard to make 160 for his last few fights.
Chavez Jr (51-3-1 33 KOs) has only fought once since being dominated by Canelo back in May of 2017. He returned to the ring back in August and picked up a quick first round knockout in Mexico.
On paper Jacobs is a tremendous favorite to win the battle of former middleweight champions.
“I am thrilled to be making my debut at super middleweight on December 20 against Julio Cesar Chavez,” said Jacobs. “I’ve achieved a dream of becoming a world champion at middleweight and now I am seeking to secure my legacy by becoming a two-weight world champion.
"There are some great fighters and champions at 168lbs and I believe that I will be a different beast up at super middleweight. Facing Julio is a great test for my first fight, he’s a former middleweight champion like me and he has the same goal as I do – Julio is always in great fight and I am sure that our styles will gel to be a thriller for the fans, and I plan to announce my arrival at 168lbs in style.”
The fight could be dependent on a hearing that Chavez Jr. must attend on November 20th with the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Chavez Jr. is in hot water, because he refused to take part in a random drug test when an VADA agent arrived a few weeks ago at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood. Chavez Jr. claims the testing agent had no credentials to verify his identity.
Should Chavez Jr. get suspended, then Arizona could potentially follow their lead. If that happens, Gabe Rosado is waiting in the wings as a backup opponent.