Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. Andrzej Fonfara
Photo by Esther Lin
Lou Catalano, Senior Writer
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., who has yet to find a weight class he can’t eat through, is taking on the guy who lost a wide decision to 175 pound champ Adonis Stevenson last year.
Andrzej Fonfara’s only saving grace came when he dropped the gassed and completely disinterested Stevenson late in the fight to make things somewhat interesting. Chavez Jr.’s talent is undeniable, but he carelessly throws away rounds by not being active enough.
He’ll throw away a few more in this fight, but Fonfara won’t be able to take advantage. Chavez Jr. by decision. What will it prove?
Prediction: Chavez Jr.
Tony Calcara, Staff Writer
Julio Chavez Jr. (48-1-1, 32 KOs) returns on Saturday–finally. The bout will take place at a 172 pound catch weight. Now at 29, Chavez Jr. hasn’t fought in over a year. He has only two fights, both against Bryan Vera, in the last 29 months.
In those bouts, the word impressive isn’t the first word that comes to mind. His fans and supporters have to be concerned with inactivity, distractions and what some simply refer to as an unmotivated fighter.
The 27-year-old Andrzej Fonfara (26-3, 15 KOs) is considered a “safe” opponent by many. I’m not so sure. He brings with him size as well as being the more active fighter. He put himself on the map with a determined effort against Adonis Stevenson last year.
I am curious as to which Chavez Jr. will show up Saturday night. I am curious if he will make weight. And I will also be curious to what each fighter weighs in at on fight night.
Although there ae many unknowns here, coin flip, I will go with Chavez Jr. I won’t be surprised if the fight is much tougher than some think it’s going to be.
Prediction: Chavez Jr.
Zuri Lopez, Contributing Writer
On Saturday we get to see the return of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. after being absent for a year. He last fought Bryan Vera and won, but not in a very convincing matter.
This fight is very important since everyone will be wanting to see if the inactivity will have played a major role in his performance that night. Andrzej Fonfara will be coming to give Chavez Jr. trouble that’s for sure especially given the fact that Chavez Jr.’s defense isn’t all that great.
Hopefully Chavez Jr. has improved in that area and won’t receive unnecessary punishment from his opponent. I see them going back and forth in this fight. I think Chavez Jr. takes the win that night, but it will be a close fight.
Prediction: Chavez Jr.
Alex McLeish, Staff Writer
Hate him or love him, you can usually always expect excitement when Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is fighting. I’m expecting nothing less this weekend when he takes on the tall and hittable Andrzej Fonfara.
I see Chavez Jr.’s relentless body attacking pushing Fonfara backwards and forcing him to try to fight off Chavez Jr. using his clear reach advantage. I don’t see it happening, Fonfara isn’t athletic enough to escape with his feet, and his power at 172 won’t be enough to break Chavez Jr.’s iron chin.
I see a tough and competitive fight and I’m giving it to the aggressor.
Prediction: Chavez Jr.
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. has more talent than a lot of guys–including Andrzej Fonfara (no offense). What he doesn’t have more of than a lot of guys is desire–or “ganas” as Jaime Escalante would say.
I don’t really know if Joe Goossen, Chavez Sr. or even Tony Robbins can coach Jr. into actually using all of his talent. From a boxing standpoint, let’s hope he makes weight and doesn’t look sluggish against the naturally bigger Fonfara.
I think Chavez’s talent is enough to take this fight, even if he’s not super motivated. I think it might take some rounds for Jr. to warm up, but he’ll get into a groove by the middle rounds and cruise to a decision victory.
Prediction: Chavez Jr.
