Late last week, middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. suddenly pulled out of his first title defense against Ronald Hearns that was scheduled for September 17th. His manager, Billy Keane and Promoters at Top Rank said an injured right hand that occurred in training had not fully healed. However there is speculation that Chavez may need more time to lose some extra weight which makes the postponement of the fight very suspicious.
Adding to the speculation, supposedly, Chavez sustained the injury two weeks ago, though the official press conference for the fight was held a few days later. It also has Lou DiBella, promoter of Hearns, very perplexed. Top Rank and Sean Gibbons of Zanfer Promotions, co-promoter of Chavez, would only say that the hand was not good to go for the title defense.
Hearns, 26-2-20 KO?s, son of the great Thomas Hearns and Chavez Jr. son of the legendary Julio Cesar were supposed to meet in Culiacan Mexico, a fight that many say Hearns did not earn. Regardless it was anticipated because of the first title defense, and it was in the hometown of Chavez on Mexican Independence weekend. The injury got everyone off guard, and DiBella, who has little tolerance for games, is questioning if the injury was severe, than why was Chavez sparring with Antonio Margarito when he was supposedly injured?
Chavez has had issues with weight, in addition his trainer Freddie Roach, with other responsibilities has not been with Chavez in preparation for the fight. Roach, the busy and demanding trainer assumed Chavez would not be fighting in September, that is, until Arum put the Hearns fight together. So it all adds up to suspicion that Chavez is not ready or insecure without having Roach in his corner.
A spokesperson for Top Rank goes with the account that Chavez pulled out because of the hand injury. DiBella discounts everything at this point and goes with the theory that Chavez is out of shape. That Hearns, in great condition would have landed a right that would put Chavez down.
DiBella could not be reached for a direct comment, and when you put two and two together it certainly sounds like a cop out from Chavez. Will the fight happen? Top Rank says it will, as quickly as the hand heals. What may not be healed is the war of words that will continue until Hearns can get Chavez where he wants him?.
