“Show me an undefeated fighter and I’ll show you a fighter who hasn’t fought anybody”
Hall of Fame trainer Morris “Whitey”
Bimstein
In older times, Julio Cesar Chavez posting an undefeated record 42-0-1 (30 KOs) over an eight-year career would have undoubtedly be seen in a much better light. For one, a fighter with that many bouts would have surely been a champion, or at the very least, fought a string of top notch contenders. Chavez, Jr.’s case is unique; having only fought two amateur bouts before turning pro at a mere 17 years old, the Culiacan, Mexico native essentially only had his father’s legendary name as a starting point. It was enough to make him very popular in Mexico; in the United States, Chavez, Jr.’s quest for recognition proved much more difficult with the critical American public. His most high-profile opportunity to gain ground comes this evening when he challenges Sebastian Zbik for the WBC middleweight title.
As with many championship opportunities these days, Chavez, Jr.’s shot is the result of dubious politics from the sanctioning bodies. The true champ of the middleweight division, Sergio Martinez, was stripped of the WBC crown in January for electing to face Sergiy Dzinziruk with HBO backing over mandatory Sebastian Zbik. Despite Zbik simply being handed a title without earning it in the ring, Chavez, Jr. maintains he’ll be facing the toughest opponent of his career.
“He’s a real good mover and boxer in the ring,” Chavez detailed. “I’ll have to make him stand still a little so we can fight him. He has a good right hand. No question he’s a real good fighter. Without a doubt he looks like he’ll be the best fighter I’ve ever faced.”
Chavez, Jr. has not scored a knockout since dispatching Jason LeHoullier in one round back in 2009. He had an exciting PPV win over brawler John Duddy last year, but also uninspired performances like his listless decision win over Troy Rowland on what was a golden opportunity to shine on the Pacquiao-Cotto undercard (Writer’s Note: This decision would be reversed to a No Decision after Chavez, Jr. tested positive for the banned diuretic drug furosemide.).The 25 year old acknowledges the bumps in the road but remains optimistic, citing the string of decision wins as invaluable experiences that have strengthened his mental toughness and stamina.
“It’s been a learning experience going all those rounds. I’m happy with it although I’d like to get some knockouts,” he admitted. “But you have to learn that you can’t knock everyone out. If I can’t knock Zbik out, I’ll go the 12 rounds. I know I’m capable of it.”
For the most part, Chavez has been able to have his career slowly develop without the expectations to meet the legacy of his legendary father, Julio Cesar Chavez, Sr. History is against him; most sons who follow their famous fighters, recently Thomas Hearns, Jr., and Aaron Pryor, Jr., haven’t shown the talent necessary to make a huge impact with new and older fans who remember their fathers. In two weeks, Chavez, Sr. will be deservedly inducted into the boxing Hall of Fame. His son would like nothing more than to begin the family celebration early by securing a title. For the first time, Junior admits that in training he’s found himself channeling pre-fight nervousness into brooding intensity.
“I don’t think I’m nervous, but I do feel more intense for this fight. The intensity factor is way over any camp I’ve had before,” he stated.
Perhaps the man most essential to Chavez Jr.’s future is his trainer of one year, Freddie Roach. While he enjoys being an inside fighter like his father, it’s been Roach who’s diligently worked to add a formidable outside game to Junior’s offense.
“It’s always been my style to fight inside. I enjoy it and I think it’s what I do best,” he said. “I’m learning from Freddie [Roach] when to do it and when to work from the outside. Getting used to each other and what he expects from me is the main thing.”
Winning the WBC title would be an accomplishment, albeit an ultimately hollow one. The division’s champion is still Sergio Martinez until he’s beaten in the ring. The win against Zbik would yield its importance in being a lead into another installment of the Mexico-Puerto Rico rivalry. With Antonio Margarito’s future in limbo due to the damage he suffered at the fists of Manny Pacquiao last November, Cotto has been left without a dance partner for the rest of 2011. Should Chavez, Jr. handle Zbik, he would emerge as the likely opponent for a man he lists as one of his favorite fighters.
“I know that if I win this fight that probably means fighting Miguel Cotto,” Chavez, Jr. stated. “I think that will be a great fight.”
And that potential “great fight” is truly where Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.’s quest for universal respect lies.
Chavez, Jr. vs. Zbik airs tonight on HBO at 10 PM ET.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 