Photo by Chris Farina
Once again, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. lost, according to what most people thought leaving the Stub Hub Center last night in Carson, CA. The arena was made up mostly of Chavez Jr. fans who quickly turned their backs on him when it became clear that Chavez Jr. won a unanimous decision.
The cheers for “Chavez! Chavez! Chavez!” quickly turned to “Vera! Vera! Vera!” after Chavez Jr. was allowed to explain himself to Jim Lampley. Others argued it was a close fight but many, including Timothy Bradley, Mikey Garcia, and especially Bryan Vera’s family, believed Vera won.
Bryan Vera began the fight quickly, landing left hooks in the early rounds that left some swelling above Chavez Jr.’s right eye. Vera pushed forward and looked like the stronger man, despite not having to lose as much weight as Chavez Jr.
Despite the early onslaught, Chavez Jr.’s iron chin prevailed, and he was able to turn the fight around beginning in the fourth round. Many in attendance believed Vera won the first four rounds, but the fight became more competitive as it progressed.
In the later rounds Chavez Jr. began to fight on his back foot with more precision, using his movement to keep Vera away. Chavez Jr. then began to land hard rights and left hooks at will.
Vera began to make adjustments by moving his head instead of keeping his gloves up, which were not adequately protecting him from the left hook. By the ninth and tenth rounds Vera was still winning, but the rounds were still competitive.
When the bell for the final round rung, one question ran through the minds of the fans in attendance: Did Chavez Jr. do enough in the later rounds to win the fight?
Most people believe he did not, and the decision made by the judges proves that more than what was displayed in the ring was considered in the bout.
Whether it was because of his name or because of his privilege, Chavez Jr. was able to walk away with a decision he did not earn.
Photo by Ryan Remiorz
The fight was part of an HBO special also featuring Adonis Stevenson and Tavoris Cloud in a live bout from the Belle Centre in Montreal, Canada. Cloud’s corner ended up throwing in the towel giving Stevenson the win and his first successful defense of the Ring Magazine and WBC Light Heavyweight championship.
In Carson, however, the event began with many young fighters with bright futures. Diego Magdaleno (29-1, 9 KOs), who was coming off a loss to Roman Martinez for the WBO Super Featherweight title, defeated Edgar Riovalle by winning every round on all the scorecards.
Photo by Chris Farina
Karim Mayfield (18-0, 11KOs), who is trained by Virgil Hunter, used his unusual strength and skill to defeat Chris Fernandez. Mayfield hurt Fernandez twice, once in the fourth round and finally in the seventh round when he knocked Fernandez out.
Photo by Chris Farina
Mayfield believes he is ready for a title shot and even called out Danny Garcia at a recent event before Garcia’s fight with Matthysse.
At the press conference, Chavez Jr. claimed that he hurt his hand in the fourth round. He believes that he would have finished Vera if is hand had not been hurt.
Whether or not this is true, how long can this go on? Can Chavez Jr. remain relevant if he continues to disregard his opponents, pick his own weight class, and lose fights?
Whether or not he can remains to be seen.
Photo by Chris Farina
