By Michael Montero: An estimated crowd of around 4,000 fans packed the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas to see the weigh in for tomorrow’s Canelo-Chavez card. Thousands of fans lined up inside the MGM Grand Casino, and even outside on a scorching hot afternoon, hours before the doors opened at the arena. It was a truly a party atmosphere to kick off the Cinco de Mayo festivities. RingTV.com streamed the entire weigh in start to finish, while American sports network ESPN broadcast the main event. The question on everybody’s mind was “would Chavez Jr makes weight?”
As the undercard fighters hit the scales, the tension mounted. Chants of “Ca-Nel-O” and “Cha-Vez” rang through the crowd. A mariachi band set the tone early on, and then fans danced as a DJ began spinning popular Mexican pop songs. It felt like a fiesta and the entire town of Las Vegas was invited.
The preliminary undercard, which will be streamed live on HBO Boxing’s YouTube page before the PPV broadcast begins, features the likes of American Olympic medalist Marlen Esparza, veteran Ronny Rios and undefeated prospect Ryan Garcia. All fighters made weight without issue, although Esparza’s opponent Samantha Salazar had to get naked to do so.
Next up were the PPV undercard fighters. Undefeated California-bred featherweights Joseph Diaz Jr and Manuel Avila both came in under the limit at 125.5lbs and 125lbs, respectively. Argentinian Lucas Matthysse and his American opponent Emanuel Taylor both weighed in at the exact welterweight limit of 147lbs. Montreal’s David Lemieux came in at the contracted weight of 163lbs as did his opponent, Mexican Marco Reyes, after going buck naked following an original failed attempt. By now all the fans had made their way inside the arena, the concession stands were empty and the ESPN crew went live coast to coast.
Culiacan, Mexico native Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, the son of his homeland’s most beloved fighter, made his way to the stage first. A sizable portion of the crowd cheered for Chavez, while a smattering of boos echoed as well. The challenger and his team climbed up the stairs at the right side of the stage, looking confident. Next up was Guadalajara, Mexico native Saul Alvarez, who took his time walking to the stage, basking in the glory of his screaming fans. Although there were plenty of Chavez fans present, this was truly a Canelo house. The red-headed Mexican star and team climbed up the stairs stage left. He was all business.
Junior hit the scales first and to the surprise of many, not only made weight, but with half a pound to spare! Canelo followed, coming in at an exact 164lbs as well. Both fighters then engaged in a tense stare down as thousands of fans took photos and videos with their phones. After the stare down, Canelo shadowboxed briefly for the fans, sending the crowd into a fever pitch.
If the atmosphere inside the T-Mobile arena is anything like the weigh-in was this afternoon, boxing fans are in for a real treat tomorrow night. Indeed, the Mexican and Mexican-American fight fans are enjoying Cinco de Mayo in style. The party has already begun in Las Vegas with only 24 hours to go.
Michael Montero can be found on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at: @MonteroOnBoxing