The night of November 14, 2009 wasn?t a great one for either Miguel Cotto or Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Fighting separate opponents at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, the two men weren?t able to produce the kind of scintillating performance that they were looking for. Chavez Jr. would win an uneven bout against Troy Rowland that had the partisans in the building restless while Cotto would fight valiantly early on but lose his WBO welterweight title to Manny Pacquiao by way of 12th round TKO.
What a difference six months has made for each man. Earlier this month Cotto rejuvenated his career with a 9th round stoppage over game but outmatched Belarus native Yuri Foreman. The soon to be rabbi had trouble dealing with Miguel?s precise attack and the Puerto Rican?s jab paved the way for a solid boxing display. Foreman was a sitting duck after injuring his knee in the 7th round and was crippled over from a left hook from the Boricua fighter two rounds later. Following the Pacquiao loss Cotto was in need of a statement and he was able to find it against Foreman.
Last night there were a lot of question marks surrounding 24-year old Chavez Jr. as well. The Sinaloa, Mexico native?s outing against Rowland was something of a reflection on his early career as he seemed to be lacking certain elements to his game and a union with trainer Freddie Roach had everyone talking. For the past five weeks Chavez Jr. had been training with Roach at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles and his skills were going to be on full display at the Alamodome against tough Irishman John Duddy.
Over twelve riveting rounds Chavez and Duddy gave the fans a tremendous effort in what can be described as one of the year?s best fights. Chavez Jr. had the edge based on his activity and work to the body but Duddy was in his face all night. Chavez Jr. appeared to seriously hurt the New York transplant in the 9th and closed the show strong. Scores of 120-108, 117-111, and 116-112 were all read for Chavez Jr., who improves to 41-0-1 with 30 knockouts.
At last night?s post fight press conference promoter Bob Arum seemed genuinely pleased with Chavez? performance. Arum hinted that he was advised by Alex Ariza, Chavez? strength and conditioning coach, and Roach that there would be no problem for the young fighter to go down to 154 pounds. With that surely in mind Arum hinted that Chavez Jr. and Cotto very well may be in line to fight one another next. When looking at the contest some definite variables stand out.
For one, Chavez has never faced a fighter as seasoned or efficient with his attack as Cotto. Miguel?s career has been built on breaking his opponents down with systematic pressure and you have to wonder how Chavez would cope with all of that. On the other hand Cotto just moved up to 154 pounds and would be going up against a man much younger, fresher, and busier than he is. It?s an intriguing fight in many ways and I think it would answer a lot of questions about both men.
For a picture by picture look at Chavez? thrilling fight with John Duddy as well as the rest of the Latin Fury 15 card, please click on the image gallery below?
