Duddy defeated by Chavez Jr
There’s a lot things in life you have to thank you parents for. They feed you, house you, teach you and give you great boxing genes. Well in the case of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr they did anyway.
Young Julio’s father was one of the finest fighters of all time. Yet the world is rife with nepotism, in many walks of life, particularly sport and you sometimes wonder if young offspring are living off their father’s name. Paul Dalglish wasn’t quite in the same class as Kenny, while Liam Botham won’t be reflecting on a career as successful as father Ian’s.
In boxing for every Floyd Mayweather Jr there is a Stephan Pryor or Ronald Hearns. It was thought by many that Chavez Jr would join their ranks, but he is increasingly looking like a top prospect and proved on Saturday night against John Duddy that he is in for the long haul.
In a scintillating 12-round battle Chavez Jr showed that he can mix it with some top-class pros by out-boxing the Irishman for the duration of a dazzling fight.
Chavez Jr’s father was even there to walk his son into the ring at the Alamodome in Texas, a venue he knows all too well as he memorably fought there against Pernell Whittaker in 1993 in a controversial draw.
There was no controversy on Saturday night, as Chavez Jr put on a fine, versatile performance and took the vast majority of the rounds.
It wasn’t an easy ride for the Mexican though. The fight started with Duddy trying to force the issue and turn aggressor, but Chavez Jr sat nicely behind his jab and dealt with the rampaging Irishman.
There was a renewed focus from Freddie Roach’s new man who had been accused of being lazy and not training hard enough in the past. Under the tutelage of master trainer Roach, Chavez Jr seemed to have found a new energy. In his previous bout, against Troy Rowland in November of last year, he looked unfit, lethargic and promptly tested positive for a banned substance. The fight was ruled a no contest and he was slapped with a seven-month ban. Things were not looking good for him then, but on Saturday night he was a man reborn and looked determined and powerful, pressing much more than we have seen him do in other fights against lesser opponents.
As for Duddy he matched him for effort but didn’t hurt the Mexican enough. He went toe-to-toe numerous times, most notably in the fifth and sixth rounds where he tested Chavez Jr and wobbled him once with a big over hand right, but couldn’t find the finish.
Chavez Jr’s really stepped it up in the last three rounds and gave Duddy a good pasting. He could find no answer to the slick Mexican who landed every type of shot going and showed some superb movement.
It was comprehensive in the end and a clear winner. However there was a harsh card from Jürgen Langos of 108-120, while Julie Lederman and Glen Rick Crocker had it at a slightly fairer 111-117 and 112-116.
Both fighters proved themselves on the night, Chavez Jr showed he has the potential to step-up to a higher level and he’s not just fighting tomato cans under his dad’s name. While Duddy proved he can still get in the ring and give everything, hopefully he will bounce back from this defeat.
Chavez Jr now fights with a record of 41-0-1 yet is only 24 and is now due a mandatory against middleweight champ Sergio Martinez. His promoter Bob Arum says he needs more experience? He’s had 41 fights. That’s odd, not like Arum to be overly protective of one of his fighters.
Still one way or another Chavez Jr will make his way to a world title fight in a year or so. He will need to improve a bit more for the elite. At times he was grinding out this win and you need more than that at the top level, but with Roach in his corner he will only improve.
He’s got a h**l of a legacy to live up to, but right now Chavez Jr is undefeated and can do no more than that. I wonder how good his son will be?
Tags: