Unsung Mexican Mario Cazares catapulted himself into the title mix with a shock victory over serial contender Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. at the Grand Hotel Tijuana in Tijuana, Mexico, on Friday night.
The light-heavyweight bout went to the scorecards early after Chavez suffered a cut above the left eye in the sixth round with Cazares (12-0, 5 KOs) prevailing 59-54 and 57-56 (twice). Cazares previously had a point deducted for an intentional head butt in the second round.
“Julio says that it was a headbutt. In reality, it was an uppercut that caused the gash on his eye,” said Cazares, a career super-middle, afterwards. “I first landed the right hand and then the uppercut.
“I knew that this was my big opportunity and I couldn’t pass it by. The result is due to discipline, hard work and a great, solid team. I respect Julio Jr. He’s a very humble man and I offer my friendship. If I can do something for him, I will gladly do it.”
With legendary father Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. watching on from ringside, after defeating Jorge Arce in an exhibition bout on the undercard, Chavez Jr. (51-5-1, 33 KOs & 1 NC) fell short once again following his fifth-round retirement loss to Daniel Jacobs last December.
He was buzzed by a right hand in the third before an accidental clash of heads in sixth caused a deep cut and sent the fight to the cards just as the fight was heating up.
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Ukrainian banger Serhii Bohachuk maintained his spotless pro record with a hard-fought sixth-round retirement victory over Alejandro Davila in Mérida, Mexico, on Friday night.
154-pounder Bohachuk (18-0, 18 KOs) was made to work for his win as Mexican Davila (21-2-2, 8 KO’s) withstood a heavy bombardment and impressed with crisp combinations.
But Bohachuk’s hefty blows gradually took their toll and Davila was withdrawn by his corner after the sixth round.
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Former IBF middleweight champion David Lemieux will return on an Eye of the Tiger Management show behind closed doors at the Centre Gervais Auto in Shawinigan, Canada, on October 10.
Super-middleweight contender Lemieux (41-4, 34 KOs) meets Francy Ntetu (17-3, 4 KOs) over 10-rounds as he approaches another world title tilt. He is currently rated No.3 by the WBC at 168lbs.
Heavyweight hope Arslanbek Makhmudov (10-0, 10 KOs) defends his NABF title against Dillon Carman (14-5, 13 KOs) on the same promotion.
Main image: Cazares (right) upsets Chavez Jr. Photo: 2M Box Promotions.