Earlier today in Mexico City, Zanfer Promotions officially announced their first few shows for early 2011. Included in the bunch will be Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. meeting up with Billy Lyell in Culiacan, Mexico on January 29th. Chavez Jr. spoke to the assembled press about the importance of the clash and the 24-year old middleweight contender could be found with his trainer Freddie Roach and strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza.
Chavez has flourished as a fighter following his disappointing November 2009 victory over Troy Rowland at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Following that listless effort Chavez Jr. hooked up with Roach at his Wild Card Boxing Club and a few months later would come through with a very strong outing as he routed tough Irishman John Duddy in San Antonio.
<--- Slideshow: Chavez Jr., Roach, Barrera and others in Mexico City
The bout with Lyell, a capable journeyman from Niles, Ohio, isn’t a headline-grabbing affair but it is notable simply for the fact of what it could lead to for young Chavez, who has been linked to such fighters as Miguel Cotto and even middleweight champion Sergio Martinez in recent months. Chavez will be returning to Culiacan for the first time in over four years and says that it is a huge boost.
“Going home is a big commitment and motivation,” he said. “The preparation has been strong with Freddie and Alex and I’ll be ready for twelve rounds but if I can knock him out I will because I want to go after a world title after this bout.”
I also spoke with Ariza earlier today who insists that camp is running smoothly, but was sure no to discredit Lyell, who also holds an upset victory over Duddy himself. Expect more from the Columbian coach later in the week.
Chris Robinson is based out of Las Vegas, Nevada. He can be reached at [email protected]
