Chavez Jr. vs. Vera: A Travesty in Carson

By Boxing News - 09/29/2013 - Comments

chavez66By Jose Muradas: Last night’s fight between Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (47-1-1,32 KO’s), and Bryan Vera (23-7, 14 KO’s) was a new low for the sport. Chavez Jr. was awarded a unanimous decision by the judges. The three judges scored it 96-94, 97-93, and 98-92, which prompted a torrid round of boos from the fans at the Stubhub Center in Carson, California. Vera came into the fight in-shape, and with a game plan. Ronnie Shields, Vera’s trainer, had his fighter throwing his jab, and avoiding exchanges with Chavez Jr.

The young Chavez Jr. did manage to land some big shots, but not enough to mount any serious danger to Vera. In fact, Vera was able to take control of the fight by landing multiple shots throughout the fight.

Chavez Jr. did not make the 168 pound limit, and paid Vera an undisclosed amount of money to fight at 173 pounds. Vera seemed to carry the extra weight better than his opponent. Chavez Jr. was lethargic, occasionally landing a hook or overhand right, but was never in control of the fight. It was nothing short of a fiasco to see a fighter like Chavez Jr. come in unprepared, and overweight. The decision was controversial, but Chavez’s mockery of the sport was far worse. It is evident that something needs to be done about weight limits and scoring.

The fight between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Floyd Mayweather Jr. had one judge score it 114-114. It was clear that Alvarez was never in the fight. The sport needs to revamp it’s way of selecting judges to score fights. It maybe impossible considering how much money is exchanging hands. What is at stake for the networks, and promoters involved. The other issue is not letting fighters set their own weight limits.

Chavez Jr. lost the fight because he didn’t train. He was still the bigger man, carrying a natural weight for his size. Vera was at a disadvantage, but he was carrying more weight than normal.

If Chavez Jr. showed up ready to fight, he would have destroyed Vera. No money is worth serious injury. The sport can’t afford to lose more fan support, but the thinking is that someone will pay to watch. It’s that same thinking that will ruin whatever is left of the sweet science.



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