Reports have surfaced suggesting that Eddie Hearn has made contact with former WBC World middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (50-3-1, 32 KO’s) about a proposed three-fight deal with Matchroom USA.
After announcing a revolutionary $1bn deal with U.K.-based streaming service DAZN, Hearn and Matchroom USA have been linked with a host of top names across the globe. However, suggestions that Hearn will offer a deal to the 32-year-old will come as a surprise to most, following an up-and-down career that has culminated in some underwhelming recent performances.
In fact, Chavez Jr. – son of Mexico’s legendary multi-weight World champion Julio Cesar Chavez – was last seen in action over twelve months ago, when he was on the receiving end of a twelve-round shellacking at the hand of modern Mexican poster-boy Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
Such was the pitiful performance offered by Chavez Jr., those in attendance grew irate and booed him out of the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. It was the second defeat in four fights for the controversial ex-champion, and little has been heard of him since.
Ayer hablé largo rato con @jcchavezjr1 JULIO CÉSAR CHÁVEZ JR / Peleará 3 veces para el promotor Eddie Hearn. Reaparece el 4 u 11 de agosto en 169 libras. Tres son posibles rivales: Sergio Mora, Gabriel Rosado y Vanes Martirosyan. @AztecaDeportes
— Eduardo Lamazón Don Lama (@lamazon_oficial) May 21, 2018
“Yesterday I spoke for a long time with @jcchavezjr1 JULIO Cesar Chavez JR/Will fight 3 times for promoter Eddie Hearn. It reappears on August 4 or 11 in 169 pounds. Three are possible rivals: Sergio Mora, Gabriel Rosado and Vanes Martirosyan. @AztecaDeportes“
While Hearn has made his global intentions clear for all to see, a move for Chavez Jr. would be far from the exciting splash many – including Hearn himself – had anticipated upon completion of a deal that “would change the landscape of boxing”.
Though Chavez Jr. has historically garnered high ratings due to his legendary family name and, at one time, fan-friendly fighting-style, his reputation following the Canelo bout is at an all-time low. A series of outside of the ring issues including a ban for testing positive for marijuana, as well as falling foul on the scales on numerous occasions, have left Chavez Jr. as something of a tired novelty act.
With the likes of Mikey Garcia, the Charlo twins and Deontay Wilder among those Hearn has declared an interest in, landing Chavez Jr. may feel like something of an anti-climax.
After a rumoured August return at a proposed catchweight of 169lbs was mooted by Eduardo Lamazòn – a Mexican sports figure and commentator – Sergio Mora, Gabriel Rosado and Vanes Matirosyan were all listed as potential opponents. With the three men formerly campaigning at super welterweight, it is beggars belief that any of the trio will be welcomed as acceptable opponents for Chavez Jr., and would once again draw ire from fans at one of the sport’s most controversial characters.