Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. could be stripped of his WBC title unless he fights Sergio Martinez next

By Boxing News - 12/01/2011 - Comments

Image: Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. could be stripped of his WBC title unless he fights Sergio Martinez nextBy Allen Fox: Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (44-0-1, 31 KO’s) may fight Darren Barker in his next bout, but he may be doing that without his WBC middleweight title unless he defends the title against mandatory challenger former WBC middleweight champion Sergio Martinez (48-2-2, 27 KO’s).

Chavez Jr. was supposed to be fighting Martinez next after being given a one-fight voluntary defense against Peter Manfredo Jr. Chavez Jr. won that fight by a 5th round knockout, but now he’s required to fight Martinez if he wants to hold onto the belt. Jose Sulaiman, the president of the World Boxing Council, said recently that unless Chavez Jr. defends the belt against his mandatory challenger, the belt will be vacant and Chavez Jr. will no longer be the champion.

A couple of things here: One, don’t underestimate Chavez’s promoter Bob Arum. If I know him, he’ll get it to where Chavez Jr. gets to keep his WBC title, and doesn’t have to fight Martinez next. And best of all, can have another voluntary title defense. No way do I see the WBC stripping a big money maker like Chavez Jr. of his belt.

Chavez Jr. is scheduled to fight on March 17th in the United States against an opponent still to be determined. Barker and Andy Lee have been mentioned as possible opponents. Lee has reportedly been ruled out because he’s a southpaw. That leaves Barker at the head of the list right now.

If Chavez Jr. is forced to fight Martinez, he’ll no doubt vacate the title rather than take that risky fight. It’s too dangerous for him and although he’s said recently that he’s not afraid to fight Martinez, he still won’t fight him. After his win over Manfredo on November 19th, Chavez Jr. said his next opponent is up to his promoter. He wasn’t being assertive and saying he wanted to fight anyone, and was leaving it in the hands of Arum. It’s obvious that Arum won’t let Chavez Jr. fight Martinez because the outcome is predictable.



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