“Ten cuidado con lo que deseas, se puede convertir en realidad.” After taking a mini-vacation break on Old Cape Cod, where I eluded sharks in Chatham and a few loansharks visiting Falmouth, I return with the above bromide translated in Spanish. For the few among my followers who are not bilingual, this means “be careful what you wish for as you might get it.” Wouldn’t it be priceless if Son Of the Legend Julio Cesar Chavez said this to world middleweight champion and ex-bike racer Sergio Martinez as they launch a USA and Mexico press conference Tuesday in Los Angeles? Chavez figures as the betting underdog when the two fight at the Thomas & Mack Center on the UNLV campus on the Saturday night of Mexican Independence Day Weekend. Look, I’m not alone in wondering if “Maravilla” is even sure that this fight is looming as a reality or if somebody is just pulling his leg. Martinez and his hyperactive henchmen (Lou DiBella and Sampson Lewkowicz) did everything but throw a rubber chicken at Young Julio for a long time. Surely you recall all the stories and accusations emanating from the Martinez camp, all those tales accusing JC Junior of lacking, well shall we say, lacking the stones to fight the sometimes Awesine Argentinian? If you don’t just Google them because they’re out there. But, or so it says here on the side of my sand pail, not only will Chavez show up for the pressers in California, New York and Mexico City, he’s coming to dethrone Martinez. I really think Chavez has an excellent chance to score a huge upset and here’s why: 1. Double Shock Power: Martinez and minions never thought Chavez would take this fight. Now they and the fighter and scratching their heads. 2. Better Chin: I don’t think they have special PEDs which reinforce the chin but maybe I can ask Victor Conte. But Chavez showed some wonderful whiskers when Irish Andy Lee cracked him and cracked him with bad intentions. 3. Favorable Venue: The crowd in Vegas will be in a festive mood, many of them fans who cavorted in the gambling mecca when Junior’s father was a Mexican ring god. Outside of Miguel Diaz (Chavez’s cutman), what other native of Argentina who is not a blood relative of Sergio will be allowed on the premises? 4. Underrated/Overrated: Pundits have underrated Chavez and may have overrated Sergio. This is highly possible especially after the Maravilla Masterpiece KO over Paul Williams. Against foes named Dzinziruk, Barker and Macklin, Sergio had a few moments where he looked vulnerable. I also think Martinez will have problems with Julio’s physical strength and his inside fighting tactics including accurate bodypunching although that’s a category in which both are outstanding 5. No Surrender: The kid named Chavez will not make a Victor Ortiz exit. That’s the surest thing about this fight. 6. Youth Must Be Served: Chavez is the spring chicken, if you will, while Martinez may have peaked physically against PWill. Age could be a factor especially in the late innings. You heard it here first if the prediction comes true. If not, go play with some loansharks. And watch out for their fins… ([email protected])
