By Joey Fernandez: The fight for Mexico between Saul Canelo Alvarez and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. has come and gone and only one thing remains clear, Canelo is the current king of boxing. Much can be said about how the lead up to the fight led many fans to believe that Julio Cesar Chavez Jr had a chance to defeat Canelo. Watching the training clips of both camps and the determination in each fighter made many believe this would be a good AND competitive fight.
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr making weight is a victory in itself. Watching Canelo take on his biggest (size wise) opponent to date and moving up in weight was interesting enough. The hype was genius, the “rivalry” was intense and at the end of the day, it was just another fight for Canelo and another mediocre performance by Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
Canelo, for all his ring generalship, took the fight to Chavez from the opening bell to the closing bell. Showing brilliant defensive and offensive skills. Showcasing his maturity level and the experience he has gained from previous fights. We saw a Canelo that came forward and pressing the action for the entire fight. We witnessed a fighter breakdown his opponent much like the way his opponents father (Julio Cesar Chavez Sr.) did for most of his legendary career.
Chavez Jr., made NO effort to bring the fight to Canelo. He was slow and sluggish and at times seemed too cautious to throw a punch or counter punch. Considering that Jr. was never regarded at an elite fighter the fans expected a lot more from the Culiacan fighter. Born into boxing royalty he should have shown more heart and more pride, but instead he got a beat down round after round. Watching his post-fight interview, he said: I did the fight the way trainer Nacho Beristain wanted and I am not used to this style which made me lose the fight! I highly doubt a legendary trainer like Mr. Beristain would tell his fighter not to throw punches.
After another disappointing performance where does Chavez Jr go? This is the uncertainty that surrounds Chavez and his team.
What’s next for Canelo? A fight with Gennady “GGG” Golovkin on September 16 is a giant step in the right direction and a major proof that he will fight anyone and take all the necessary risks to become great.