by James Slater – Dan Rafael of ESPN.com, has reported how top promoter Lou DiBella is keen on making a fight between two fighters who have living legends for fathers, but who are busy making a name for themselves in their own right today. Julio Cesar Chavez Junior, against Ronald Hearns, son, of course, of “The Hitman/Motor City Cobra,” Thomas Hearns.
As Rafael says, the fight has a nice ring to it, and it would probably be an entertaining fight. I for one am interested in the prospective match-up and I hope DiBella can make it happen. But who would win if the “Battle of The Juniors” did take place?
Chavez Jr, 41-0-1(30) has made more progress than has the young Hearns. Having remained unbeaten as a pro, the 24-year-old has also picked up a (spurious) “world” title – the WBC silver middleweight strap he won with his recent points victory over the tough John Duddy. As such, in comparison to Hearns, Chavez Jr. is quite some way in the lead when it comes to emulating his all-time great father.
The clock is actually ticking already for Ronald Hearns, 25-1(19). 31 years-of-age and still not having claimed a win over a “name” fighter, Hearns, nicknamed “The Chosen One,” needs to get a move on or risk letting his career slip by before it really gets off the ground. Still, Ronald can fight. He has inherited his famous dad’s long-limbed, smooth boxing ability and he has also inherited a portion of Tommy’s vaunted punching power (a portion; Ronald is no killer puncher like Thomas was).
Unlike Chavez Jr, though, Hearns Jr, who has also inherited his father’s less than granite chin, has not been able to keep a perfect record. Stopped by Harry Joe Yorgey, in a good action fight that saw both men hit the mat in Mach of last year, Ronald failed in his biggest test to date. This doesn’t mean he would also lose to Chavez – styles make fights and all that – but Hearns would likely start as an underdog if the fight got made. But could Hearns, the taller, faster man, outbox Chavez and spring a points upset? Maybe.
The weight the fight would be staged at could present those involved in making the match with a problem. Chavez, as he showed against Duddy, has grown into a strong-looking middleweight; whereas Hearns, with his slight build, looks far more comfortable at 154-pounds. Perhaps a catch-weight would be the answer?
Style-wise, the fight would probably follow a clear pattern from the off. Chavez, the physically stronger man, would stalk Hearns, and look to attack his body and just plain be the aggressor in the fight. Hearns, with his slick boxing skills, would dance and look to counter with sharp hooks and quick left jabs to the head. Chavez would hope to wear Hearns down, Hearns would hope to catch Chavez as he advanced and pile up enough points to bag the decision (presumably, the fight, if it happened, would be scheduled for 12-rounds, with Chavez’ silver belt on the line if the fight were held at 160).
Chavez, as I’ve said, has made far more of a mark as a pro than has Hearns, and the word is he is looking for some really big fights in the near future. As such, it’s possible he would turn his nose up at facing Hearns – who has won four-in-a-row since suffering his only loss, but has yet to face anyone in the world’s top twenty rankings. But Chavez, though he is somewhat ahead of Hearns, isn’t light years ahead of him. This fight COULD happen.
Chavez has talked about taking on guys like Miguel Cotto and other legit stars. Wouldn’t he be better off giving the fans this talked-of “Junior Vs. Junior” battle first?