Earlier tonight at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. edged out Germany’s Sebastian Zbik to claim the WBC middleweight championship of the world. Watching the victory was Chavez’s father Julio Sr., who himself is set to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York in the comiing days.
It was a hotly contested fight that saw Zbik outland Chavez frequently despite the pressing attack from his younger foe. Chavez had success on the inside as he ripped Zbik to the body but the champion didn’t come to lay down and always had some kind of incoming of his own despite his lack of firepower.
<--- Slideshow: Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. edges out Sebastian Zbik in twelve rounds
Scores of 116-112, 115-114, and 114-114 were read in the 25-year old fighter’s favor as it was obviously a glorious night for him. When asked if he was open to a shot at the recognized middleweight king Sergio Martinez, who was in attendance watching the clash, Chavez confirmed as much, stating that he would face anyone.
But don’t expect to see that fight anytime soon. Our friend at BoxingScene.com, Ryan Burton, was at the event and he revealed that Top Rank promoter Bob Arum will likely be angling the newly-minted champion towards a showdown later in the year with WBA junior middleweight champion Miguel Cotto.
Antonio Margarito also remains a possibility for Chavez but the Tijuana fighter just recently got medical clearance to push forward with his career after suffering a broken orbital bone in his November loss to Manny Pacquiao. Margarito will likely look to take a tune up fight in Mexico before chasing a big fight in 2012.
Chris Robinson is based out of Las Vegas, Nevada. He can be reached at [email protected]
