By James Slater: Mere hours after reading on the web site of Ring Magazine that “regular” WBC middleweight champ Julio Cesar Chavez Junior would NOT be taking a voluntary defence in September, does the official word come that says the unbeaten 25-year-old will do just that – against another son of a legend, in Ronald Hearns.
Chavez Jr has a November date with Peter Manfredo scheduled, and he must accommodate mandatory challenger Marco Antonio Rubio next year, but Julio wants to defend his belt in his homeland in the meantime: hence the September 17th date with the son of the legendary Thomas Hearns. The fight, a reasonably intriguing one due, if nothing else, to the name factor, will go down in Culiacan and Chavez will be made a pretty big favourite to win.
Critics will no doubt moan about this match-up being for the “regular” version of the WBC middleweight crown that in actuality, as everyone knows, belongs to Sergio Martinez, and this criticism is certainly justified. After all, Hearns has not fought since his failed (and also unearned) shot at taking Felix Sturm’s WBA title. A talented fighter he may be, but “The Chosen One,” 26-2(20) has to admit he has been incredibly fortunate to have been given two huge chances without having beaten anyone ranked in the WBC’s top-ten.
And the critics are also sure to attack Chavez for fighting Hearns, when he should be defending against superior fighters such as Rubio. Still, all negatives aside, next month’s fight will likely draw a big crowd. Chavez is a huge star in Mexico, and Hearns’ name carries with it plenty of clout and recognition. Perhaps more of a curiosity fight than anything else, Chavez-Hearns could also wind up being a surprisingly good fight.
Chavez, 43-0-1(30) is no huge puncher, and Hearns has the boxing skills to make things interesting for a number of rounds. Stopped by Sturm (and before that, in 2009, Harry Joe Yorgey), Hearns will not be facing as formidable a champion this time around. Hearns has faster hands than Chavez and it could also be argued how he has better all-round boxing skills. The fight could well be interesting as a result.
If Hearns can cope with Chavez’s body attack and if he has remained a confident fighter after the stoppage loss to Sturm, Ronald might be able to last the full 12-rounds – hell, he might actually win his share of the 12-rounds. Showing he is unafraid to travel to another guy’s country to fight – Hearns fought Sturm in Germany and he will now venture to Mexico – the young-looking 32-year-old clearly has courage.
I wouldn’t be surprised if this one went the full 12, but a Chavez TKO is also a possibility (I can’t see Hearns halting his man). Look for a good, lively fight with plenty of leather thrown on both sides. Chavez by comfortable but competitive decision.
Let’s hope, for further fan excitement, both guys have their ultra-famous fathers in attendance!