By Rick Reeno

It's been rumored for months, but now the deal is official. Those close to the negotiations have confirmed to BoxingScene.com that former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (48-1-1, 32KOs) signed a contract with influential adviser/manager Al Haymon.

Chavez has been inactive since March of this year, when he won a ten round unanimous decision over Bryan Vera in their rematch.

Following that fight, Chavez declared himself a promotional free agent. His promoter of record, Top Rank, disagrees and now there is an ongoing legal battle. Top Rank appears confident that Chavez is still contractually obligated to provide them with one more fight, while Chavez believes his contract expired at the end of September.

Haymon works with over 120 fighters, with the biggest name being Floyd Mayweather Jr.