By James Slater: Various sources including Boxrec.com, say unbeaten Son of A Legend Julio Cesar Chavez Junior’s WBC and HBO-approved challenge of “regular” WBC middleweight champ Sebastian Zbik, also unbeaten, will go ahead at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas on June 4th.
As fans know, the WBC chose to elevate Argentina’s Sergio Gabriel Martinez to Champion Emeritus, whilst giving the “regular” belt to the 28-year-old German. As confusing as this may be to some people, real fans have no trouble at all in recognising the superb fighter known as “Maravilla” as the real, the genuine, the true middleweight king. However, in June, the 30-0(10) Zbik – who became interim WBC middleweight champ back in July of 2009 – will make the first defence of his “full” title.
But as politically orientated as Chavez Junior’s title shot may be, the win, if he can get one, will be significant for him. By far the biggest fight of his now 43-fight pro career (42 wins, a single draw – 30 inside), the Freddie Roach-trained 25-year-old will be hoping to go one better than that other boxing Junior, Ronald Hearns; who was unable to grab the WBA middleweight belt when his chance came last week. Can Chavez Junior bring a belt back to the Chavez household?
Not a big puncher (just 10 KO’s), Zbik is a good technician with a good work-rate and, thus far at least, he has shown a reliable chin. But although he is a “world” champion, the man who turned pro back in the summer of 2004 has not yet faced any instantly recognisable names. Like his upcoming challenger, Zbik is lacking experience at the highest level. Practically all of Zbik’s fights have taken place in his native Germany, and the June date will mark his U.S debut. Will the occasion get to the German?
Chavez, though Mexican, will feel far more at home in Las Vegas. Junior has boxed in “Sin City” a few times before and he is well known in America. It’s likely, if he starts off well and sets the pace, the fans will get behind Chavez Junior.
In some ways, though neither Chavez nor Zbik are the finished article yet, this fight will be the acid test for both. Both men are young, hungry and talented. A quick finish either way looks unlikely, unless Chavez, a good body puncher, can land a perfect shot to the midsection of the defending titlist. At times, both guys have looked somewhat ordinary in certain fights; maybe this fight, on a big stage, will bring out the best in the two of them – with an enjoyable, eventful fight taking place.
Not knowing too much about Zbik, I pick Chavez (who does hold wins over the likes of John Duddy and Matt Vanda) to win a decision.