Chavez Jr Plays the Weighting Game

But will he lose against Fonfara, ponders Boxing News’ Danny Flexen

STRUGGLING with a problem that many of us can relate to, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. struggles with his weight. A ban for using diuretics early in his career was a harbinger of things to come and Mexico’s former WBC middleweight champion now finds in difficult to make the limit for the division above, despite it being a not-insignificant eight pounds more.

The son of legendary “Lion of Culiacan” Julio Sr, Junior has inherited some of his father’s ability – including the trademark left hook downstairs – and the old man’s iron jaw. His major problem – apart from being in his dad’s shadow – is discipline. Chavez has also served a suspension for taking cannabis and his first victory over gatekeeper Brian Vera was tainted by his seemingly constant renegotiation of the weight they would meet at, right up until the week of the fight.

In promotional videos for this Saturday’s clash with Chicago-based Pole Andrzej Fonfara, Chavez Jnr has looked rather large. The match is made at 172lbs and Fonfara, a light-heavyweight, often comes in below his division’s 175 limit, so should bring his usual brand of fitness, strength and determination. Fonfara pushed top light-heavy Adonis Stevenson hard in the latter’s Canadian stronghold last year and could rack up the early rounds here against a notorious slow starter. It’s set for 12 so Chavez has sufficient time to repeal a lead, but if his dedication has been somewhat lax, he may not have the gas to do so.

Fonfara is limited but has no quit in him and an inside-schedule win for either is unlikely. Chavez Jr. would be the relatively sensible pick but given his history and that Fonfara is a genuine light-heavyweight, an 11/2 punt on the Pole winning on points is well worth a gamble.