A Look At The Potential Future For Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

Leading up to the rematch between Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Bryan Vera this observer stated that when it came to rematches Chavez had shown the ability to improve the second time around. When Chavez and Vera met for their rematch on March 1st in San Antonio, Texas, Chavez proved to be true to form as it was evident from the beginning that this would be a much different fight than the first encounter.

The primary difference between the first fight and the rematch was in large part Chavez’ ability to be more active and to somewhat reverse the tempo of the first fight in that he was the one who applied consistent pressure while using good lateral movement to set up his offense. The first fight in contrast, was completely opposite as Vera was consistently aggressive, applying pressure and never seemed to stop throwing punches.

It was Chavez’ thudding punches and considerably increased offensive output that set the pace of the rematch. Although the always “Game” Bryan Vera remained active throughout the fight in out throwing Chavez by over four hundred punches (961 to 526) during the course of the twelve round bout, he just could not seem to find an answer for Chavez’ pressure attack as Chavez out landed Vera by fifty-one punches (256 to 205), a direct reversal of the first fight, where Vera out landed Chavez by fifty-one punches. This time Chavez left no doubts earning a convincing twelve round unanimous decision.

Sometimes coming out of a fight there is not too much analysis that one can give other than to simply say one man was able to do a little more than his opponent. Much like the first encounter, Chavez landed the harder punches of the two fighters. The difference between that fight and the rematch however, was Chavez was simply more active in comparison to his performance in the first fight in addition to taking the role of being the effective aggressor throughout. Bryan Vera however, never took a backward step and never stopped trying to turn the tide in his favor. As he has done throughout his career, Vera showed his mettle by taking significant punishment from Chavez and continuing to come forward. It was just a case of Chavez being better prepared this time around and that was really what the story was of the rematch in my opinion.

Coming out of this rematch I feel that there are similarities between Chavez’ two fights with Bryan Vera and his two fights against Matt Vanda in 2008. In particular, how both men seemed to get to Chavez in the first encounter, leaving a consensus among both fans and experts that they had won the fight against Chavez in convincing fashion only to see Chavez turn the tables on both in the rematch.  The commonality between the two? Leading up to each rematch Chavez was better prepared and able to correct tactical flaws from the first fight.

 

Questions however, do remain in regard to Chavez. It is important to remember that although Chavez looked good in his rematch with Bryan Vera, that some might still question his overall commitment to the sport. In addition, there also remains the question of just where Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. will choose to campaign at this stage of his career.

Chavez, who successfully defended the WBC World Middleweight Championship three times before losing his title to Sergio Martinez in September 2012 has fought his last two fights above the 160lb. Middleweight limit since that fight. Chavez also had difficulty making weight for his first fight with Bryan Vera and after adjustments as to at which weight the fight would take place eventually the fight took place just under the 175lb. Light-Heavyweight limit.

One name that surfaced after Chavez’ second victory over Bryan Vera as a potential opponent was the undefeated current unified WBA/IBO Middleweight world champion Gennady Golovkin. Stylistically a potential fight between Golovkin and Chavez does have fan friendly fight written all over it. An obvious storyline that would accompany such a battle would be whether or not Chavez could do what no top Middleweight contender has been able to do, withstand the constant pressure, seek and destroy style that has made Gennady Golovkin a household name.

By the same token, a question that some might ask as the potential fight approached might be whether or not Golovkin could take Chavez’ punch. After all, despite as destructive as Gennady Golovkin has been since emerging as one of Boxing’s hottest rising stars, no one has been able to really hurt him thus far. Chavez does have the punching power that would certainly draw attention if a fight between the two is signed.

An interesting question however, regarding such a fight would be where it would take place in terms of weight. Given Chavez’ recent difficulty in making weight and fighting as high as thirteen pounds above the Middleweight limit as recently as two fights ago, could Chavez go back down to 160lbs. and do so without compromising his strength or stamina? Would Gennady Golovkin, who has successfully defended his title ten times since becoming champion in 2010 be willing to fight Chavez above the Middleweight limit and potentially risk his standing not only as a world champion in the Middleweight division, but also his standing in terms of the sport’s pound for pound debates.

Even though technically a fight above the Middleweight limit would be a non-title fight for Golovkin, there is always a possibility of the various political elements in the sport potentially playing a role in that if Golovkin were to lose, he could potentially risk being stripped of his title, despite the potential loss taking place in a different weight class. It certainly would not be the first time that the politics of the sport could potentially play a role regardless of whether a world championship is officially at stake.

These are indeed interesting questions should a Golovkin-Chavez fight be signed in the near future. This observer however, believes that it could be more likely that Chavez chooses to remain either in the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division or to potentially venture into the 175lb. Light-Heavyweight division.

There are certainly several viable options that could be on the table for Chavez at Super-Middleweight. One such option that I can see is for Chavez to face the winner of the upcoming rematch between IBF Super-Middleweight champion Carl Froch and George Groves, which is scheduled to take place May 31st in London, England. Froch is a legitimate star of the division and has earned his marquee status. The significant interest in the rematch with Groves will only increase his marquee value and depending on the outcome of that fight, could be a significant pay-per-view draw. George Groves meanwhile gave an excellent account himself in defeat in the first fight with Froch and thus has established himself as a player in the division. Should Groves be successful in the rematch, I believe he would welcome a chance to fight another star of the sport with open arms.

Other options however, do also exist for Chavez in the division. Of course one option that I briefly discussed in the build up to Chavez’ rematch with Bryan Vera would be a fight with undefeated WBA champion Andre Ward, the man widely considered the number one fighter in the division. There is no doubt in my mind that a potential fight between Ward and Chavez would be a pay-per-view draw in it’s own right. In my opinion, Chavez could be more likely to take a fight against WBC champion Sakio Bika as Chavez is currently rated number one in the WBC Super-Middleweight ratings if a fight with the winner of Froch-Groves II or a fight with Gennady Golovkin does not materialize.

Although it is not hard to envision or expect Andre Ward to be in the future plans for Chavez at some point in the future, the fight could be an even bigger draw from a business standpoint if it were a potential unification fight. This scenario of course is under the assumption that Chavez would be successful against whomever he should fight next. If there is one thing the sport of Boxing has taught all of us is that nothing is a sure thing when it comes to not only what may happen inside the ring, but also what may happen outside the ring.

If Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. can remain in top form in between fights and avoid any problems with weight, the near future could turn out to be very lucrative for him. If however, he does not remain consistent and ends up securing a fight with any of the aforementioned stars, he could be setting himself up for a disappointment. There are certainly plenty of fighters out there throughout the entire sport who are looking to either establish themselves or raise their marquee value by adding a marquee name to their resume.

Chavez is a marquee name and it will be up to him to remain on top of his game.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison 

Q & A With Undefeated Welterweight Regis Prograis

Press Release: March 1, 2014 By Majestic Raven Entertainment –

Q: What do you think about the Boxing scene in Houston?

Regis Prograis

Photo Credit: Majestic Raven Entertainment

Regis Prograis: “I think there is so much tremendous talent here. I'm really blessed to be here and be around the guys that I train around. A lot of my friends and the people I train around are already world champions and I see the work ethic that they put in to be in the position they're in. It's a great motivator. Just being around them is a big inspiration and lets me know that I can make my dream a reality one day, if I keep doing the things I'm doing and have patience.”

Q:  Why did you get into Boxing?

Regis Prograis: “I got into Boxing because I was always rough growing up. I actually love fighting. I remember growing up that I would always want a challenge. I'm just a competitor and I like to prove I'm the best. What really made me start boxing

was that when I was in high school and played football and the team would always get in the gloves and spar. I started whooping bigger dudes every week. One day the offensive coordinator for the football team came and saw me beating up on one of the seniors and he told me that I didn't have a future in football and that I needed to quit and start boxing. I turned my equipment in the next day and the rest is history. True Story!”

Q: How do you feel about the upcoming event in Galveston, Texas?

Regis Prograis: “I'm excited to be fighting back in Texas. I haven't fought here in a while. The last time I fought in Texas was my 4th pro fight in Houston. I'm ready to show everybody how much I have improved since then. New Orleans is always in my heart but Houston is where I live and anytime that I can fight in Texas or Louisiana I consider it a major plus. Galveston is going to be excited on the 28^th.”

Q: What motivates you during training?

Regis Prograis: “I just go. I love the sport and I just want to prove that I'm the best and hopefully to one day I am one of the best in the world. In training I never take a round off. I go hard every round from start to finish.”

Q: What is it like to get hit by a punch? 

Regis Prograis: “It's really difficult to describe that feeling. I think the worst punches are body shots. They can freeze you and make your body seem paralyzed. When I first begin boxing I actually liked getting hit. I had the macho man mindset that I can take any punch and not be phased by it. But now I'm older and wiser. I'm pretty good now at not getting hit with anything flush. Especially when it comes to head shots!! They can freeze you and make your body seem paralyzed. I try to make my opponents worry about getting hit; I like to cause the pain.”

Regis Prograis is an accomplished amateur boxer with a professional record of 7-0 (5KO).

Regis is scheduled to return to the ring on March 28^th in Galveston, Texas for the Night of Champions promoted by Pope Promotions.

Follow Regis Prograis on Twitter: www.twitter.com/RegisP124

For more information about Majestic Raven Entertainment please visit: www.majesticraven.com

Material Courtesy of: Majestic Raven Entertainment Used with permission.

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved. 

Will Chavez “Avenge A Victory”?

When the topic of rematches is discussed, much of the opinions voiced are more often than not concerning the scoring of a fight or a controversial stoppage. In the case of the rematch between Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Bryan Vera, although their first meeting was marred in controversy with regard to the scoring of the fight, one might argue that a question leading up to the rematch just might be whether or not Chavez can “avenge a victory.”

It is not often that you hear of the concept of a fighter looking to avenge a victory over an opponent. Many however, believe that when Chavez and Vera met last September it was  Vera who deserved the decision in a fight where he was able to outwork Chavez, out landing him by fifty-one punches by the end of the ten round bout. The belief of many fans and experts alike that Vera being the victim of controversial scoring in that fight now puts Chavez in a position of having to leave no doubts in the rematch.

It is not however, a position that Chavez is unfamiliar. In fact, when it comes to rematches an argument could be made that Chavez has shown the ability to improve. Some might remember Chavez’ fights with Carlos Molina in 2005 and 2006 when Chavez was campaigning in the Welterweight division. In the first fight, Molina consistently forced the action and seemed to outwork Chavez. The fight however, was scored a draw.

 In the rematch in 2006 Chavez was more active than he had been in the first fight and was able to earn a six round majority decision. Although some scoffed at the decision in the rematch, Chavez fought a much better fight the second time around.

Perhaps most Boxing fans are more familiar with Chavez’ two battles with Matt Vanda in 2008. In the first encounter, Chavez struggled badly against Vanda who was the considerably more active of the two fighters and who battered Chavez around the ring in the final round. The ten round split decision in favor of Chavez resulted in an ugly scene as the crowd in attendance threw bottles in the ring following the announcement. A scene that reminded this observer of the aftermath that took place following the stoppage of the Tony Lopez-John John Molina rematch in October 1989. The primary difference was in the case of the near riot that took place in 1989, the crowd was angry because the fight had been stopped when it was deemed that the hometown fighter Lopez, who took significant punishment during the course of that fight could not continue.

In contrast, the first fight between Chavez and Vanda took place in Mexico where although Chavez was the clear crowd favorite, the result of the decision indicated that those who were in attendance felt that Vanda won the fight. Although one could say that those fans who were in attendance deserve credit for not allowing favoritism to influence who they believed won that fight. The commonality between what took place following that fight and the second Lopez-Molina fight in 1989 is both resulted in an ugly scene that frankly were both un-becoming of the sport and it’s fans.

Leading up to the rematch with Vanda Chavez contended that his performance in the first fight was attributed to an illness that he had been suffering from prior to the fight. In the rematch however, Chavez would leave no doubts as he out boxed and dominated the fight seemingly from start to finish, earning a convincing ten round unanimous decision.

Based on his performances against both Molina and Vanda in rematches, one could assume that Chavez could produce another improvement in his rematch with Bryan Vera. It is however, important to remember that much like Molina and Vanda, Bryan Vera likely feels that he got an unjust decision the first time around. It will be interesting to see whether or not Vera comes out even more aggressive than he was in the first fight, perhaps with the mindset that he cannot let this fight go to the scorecards.

Although the story of the first fight in my mind was Vera’s ability to consistently get his punches off first, throwing punches in combination, and applying almost constant pressure on Chavez throughout the fight, Chavez was able to be effective by landing thudding blows that would momentarily stop Vera in his tracks. It will be interesting to see whether Vera will implement a tactical approach, or be somewhat reckless in trying to catch Chavez off guard.

By the same token, it will equally be interesting to see whether or not Chavez takes the initiative to be the aggressor from the outset or if he will look to play the role of counter puncher and attempt to catch Vera on the way in. Chavez was able to catch Vera with left hooks and overhand rights frequently throughout the first fight, it is just a question of whether Chavez will be more active this time around. The opinion of many, this observer included was Vera’s greater activity, although not always damaging was enough to win rounds in the first fight.

An argument of some could be that the three judges who scored unanimously in favor of Chavez in the first fight, scored based on the effectiveness of Chavez when he was able to stop Vera in his tracks. This could well be the case, but in my opinion Chavez simply did not do enough to win that fight as I scored it 97-93 in favor of Vera. It will however, be interesting if Vera has found an answer to avoid those thudding blows to see whether or not that will have any effect on the scoring of this twelve round bout.

Another question that some may be wondering is whether or not weight problems have played any factor for Chavez as he prepares for the rematch. The first fight was originally scheduled to take place at a catch weight of 162lbs. and then bounced up to the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division, and then finally took place at a catch weight of 173lbs. two pounds under the Light-Heavyweight limit.

There were some who questioned Chavez’ commitment to the sport following the first fight. Questions of whether weight problems may play a factor may be valid. Questions also however, regarding what potential fights could be on the table for Chavez should he be victorious against Vera in the rematch with the likes of undefeated Super-Middleweight champion Andre Ward and fellow Super-Middleweight champion Carl Froch are also valid.

An obvious question with those potential fights possibly looming on the horizon for Chavez is whether or not he is looking ahead of this rematch with Bryan Vera. Based on what took place in the first fight between these two, it would be foolish in this observer’s eyes if Chavez were to look past Vera.

Although Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. has established himself as a star in the sport of Boxing and is a former world champion, it is important to remember that he faced a fighter in Bryan Vera, who had won four straight fights prior to facing Chavez the first time around. Vera has earned the reputation of being a spoiler in his career having defeated both Sergio Mora twice and scoring a stoppage over top Middleweight contender Andy Lee in their first meeting.

Despite suffering seven losses in thirty professional fights Bryan Vera is certainly not a fighter to overlook and one could view Vera as perhaps the more confident fighter as the rematch approaches. A fighter who might feel as a victim of an unjust decision getting a second opportunity is certainly dangerous, especially when that fighter has nothing to lose and everything to gain.

What will happen in the rematch? We’ll find out Saturday night.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison  

Cordova Productions and Sundown Entertainment to co-promote Professional Boxing: Friday Night Fights in Pueblo, Colorado

Press Release: February 27, 2014 By Cordova Productions and Sundown Entertainment - Cordova Productions, the top boxing promotional company in Pueblo, Colorado and Sundown Entertainment LLC, Colorado Springs’ top boxing promotional company will work together on their next show, March 21, at the Pueblo Convention Center in Pueblo.

“Both companies are excited to be working together, we both have reputations of putting on tremendous events,” said Sundown Entertainment co-promoter Brandon Ortega. “This is undeniably the top two promotional companies in Southern Colorado and it will show in the attendance, matchups and overall atmosphere.”

Headlining the card will be Pueblo’s Chantel Cordova (12-4-1). Cordova, a former world title challenger, is coming off a win over Hollie Dunaway, which allowed Cordova to capture the GBU flyweight championship. Undercard bouts are to be announced soon and are expected to be filled with professional male boxers from Colorado and surrounding states.

The first bout is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. MST; the companies plan to present 6 professional boxing matches. Ticket sale locations will be announced next week.  

Sundown Entertainment is a limited liability company which was started in 2013. The company’s headquarters is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

For more information about Sundown Entertainment please visit:

 www.sundownentertainmentllc.com.

Material Courtesy of: Cordova Productions and Sundown Entertainment Used with permission.

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved. 

What’s Next For Hank Lundy?

Over the last couple of years one fighter who has certainly emerged as a seasoned veteran is present Jr. Welterweight contender Hank Lundy.  Lundy, who began his career as a Lightweight winning eighteen of his first nineteen professional fights seemed to be on a clear path to a world title shot before he was stopped in eleven rounds by John Molina in July 2010, the first loss for Lundy in his professional career.

The setback for Lundy did not seem as though it would derail his hopes for a potential title shot for too long as he was able to bounce back to win four straight fights following the loss to Molina.  This set the stage for Lundy to face Lightweight contender Ray Beltran in July 2012.  In an extremely close fight where both fighters had their moments, Beltran, who was viewed as an underdog heading into the bout was able to earn a hard fought ten round majority decision. This fight was one that honestly could have gone either way and one that this observer felt was a draw. 

 

Beltran would eventually go on to challenge WBO Lightweight world champion Ricky Burns earning a controversial draw.  Some may argue that it was Beltran’s victory over Lundy that first gave him the notoriety that led to his title shot against Burns.  Unfortunately for Lundy he would suffer two more disappointments following his close battle with Beltran. 

 

Lundy was scheduled to face top Jr. Welterweight contender Lucas Matthysse in January of last year, but the fight ultimately fell through due to managerial problems.  Lundy would then lose a twelve round unanimous decision to undefeated Ukrainian contender Viktor Postol in March of last year.  The silver lining for Lundy, despite those setbacks is he has shown the ability to bounce back and has established himself in both the Jr. Welterweight and Lightweight divisions. Currently, Lundy is rated number thirteen by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and number ten in the world by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) in the Jr. Welterweight division.

After scoring an impressive ten round unanimous decision over top Jr. Welterweight contender Olusegun Ajose last July, Lundy would open his 2014 campaign February 21st in the Lightweight division against highly regarded prospect Angelo Santana in Cleveland, Ohio. This fight may have appeared in the eyes of some to be a bounce back fight for Santana who came into his fight off of a knockout loss at the hands of fellow prospect Bahodir Mamajonov in April of last year. This would however, be a considerable test for Santana against a fighter who was more experienced in Lundy.

The early rounds saw both fighters have their moments as both were willing to engage in periodic exchanges. As the rounds went on Lundy’s lateral movement and greater offensive output began to dictate the pace of the fight. The majority of the rounds seemed to be carried by Lundy simply being the more active of the two fighters. An argument could be made that some close rounds during the course of this fight went in favor of Lundy simply due to effective aggressiveness and ring generalship. 

 

Santana was effective when he did let his hands go particularly during periods when he was able to get Lundy against the ropes, but could not do it consistently enough to ensure that he got off first and win rounds in my opinion.  In contrast, Lundy established his jab from the outset, mixed in combinations, and was the fighter who initiated the action throughout much of the fight. 

 

The highlight of the fight came in closing seconds of round nine when Lundy dropped Santana with a right hand. Lundy would go on to score a convincing ten round unanimous decision in a fight that I unofficially scored for him 98-91.

 

It was a workman like performance for Lundy and off of not only this performance, but also his previous fight against Olusegun Ajose it is hard not to argue that Lundy could have some interesting options on the table for him in either the 135lb. Lightweight or 140lb. Jr. Welterweight divisions.  In terms of the Jr. Welterweight division the obvious option would be for Lundy to seek another opportunity against Lucas Matthysse. Other potential fights against contenders like former IBF Lightweight world champion Paul Spadafora, Gabriel Bracero, and Thomas Dulorme could be interesting possibilities for Lundy if a fight with Matthysse is not on the table at least in the immediate future. 

 

If Lundy however, decides to remain in the Lightweight division an obvious option that could be available for him in my mind would be a rematch with Ray Beltran or perhaps a rematch with current WBA Lightweight world champion Richar Abril, who Lundy defeated via split decision in 2010.   It would also not surprise this observer to potentially see Lundy face the winner of the upcoming WBO Lightweight world championship fight between Ricky Burns and Terence Crawford.

Whether or not Lundy will get a chance to fight for a world championship in the near future remains to be seen.  It is clear however, that after winning twenty-four of twenty-eight professional fights, after bouncing back from three losses and one draw along the way, Hank Lundy is a force to be reckoned with. In my opinion, Lundy is certainly deserving of an opportunity against a marquee opponent should one come along. 

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter:www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison