By Dan Ambrose: HBO has reportedly given the stamp of approval to WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr’s next opponent undefeated junior middleweight contender Vanes Martirosyan (32-0, 20 KO’s) for a fight on June 16th at the Sun Bowl, El Paso, Texas, U.S. Martirosyan, 25, is the proposed Top Rank replacement for middleweight contender Martin Murray, who was unable to take the fight with Chavez Jr. due to visa problems.

Martirosyan was in the right place at the right time with no scheduled opponent, a division below Chavez Jr. in weight and best of all he fights for the same Top Rank stable. Martirosyan wants the fight and despite what will likely be a possible 20 pound weight disadvantage against the 180 pound Chavez Jr. on fight night on June 16th, Martirosyan could give Chavez Jr. a decent fight in losing.

Sergio Martinez is hoping to be next in line for Chavez Jr., but that remains to be seen. Martinez’s promoter Lou Dibella is eager to make the fight happen, but it’s up to Bob Arum, Chavez Jr’s promoter and of course it’s up to Chavez Jr. himself. The WBC was supposed to be forcing Chavez Jr. to make the fight with Martinez, his mandatory, but it looks like they’re going to allow Chavez Jr. another optional title defense.

A fight between Chavez Jr. and Martinez could still happen if they agree to the money and other factors. Chavez Jr. will have to get by Martirosyan, but that shouldn’t be a problem for Chavez Jr. if he has a 20 pound weight advantage over him.