By James Slater: Unbeaten Mexican star Julio Cesar Chavez Junior, who won the “regular” version of the WBC middleweight title last month, is reportedly planning on defending his belt twice before the year ends. The 25-year-old who beat Sebastian Zbik by close decision to take the WBC strap, is set to fight in Mexico in September 24th, and then, at a venue to be determined (probably the U.S), on November 19th.
Peter Manfredo Junior appears to be the frontrunner to land the November date, but there are a few names being bandied around for Junior’s maiden title fight challenger. According to a piece on Bad Left Hook, two names now being in the mix for the September date include Nobihiro Ishida and Ronald Hearns.
Ishida is of course known to fans for his shocking 1st-round upset TKO win over the previously unbeaten James Kirkland. The April win firmly announced the Japanese fighter’s arrival on the world stage (even though the 35-year-old southpaw had previously held the WBA interim title at 154), and it’s possible fans would buy into a Chavez defence against him. However, having said that, HBO recently rejected Ishida as Paul Williams’ comeback foe; preferring Erislandy Lara. In light of this, it may seem strange to some that Ishida is even being considered as a “world” title challenger.
A year or so ago, before either guy had fought for anything approaching a major title, the idea of a “Clash of Juniors” fight between Chavez Jr and Hearns Jr would have proved most interesting. But now, after Hearns has been beaten by both Harry Joe Yorgey and, in a failed WBA middleweight title challenge, Felix Sturm, “The Chosen One” would likely prove to be a tough sell for many fans. This of course doesn’t mean the son of the legendary Tommy Hearns will not be rewarded with a shot at the son of the equally legendary Julio Cesar Chavez Senior, though.
Seemingly looking at a “safe-ish” homecoming type affair for his first title defence, Chavez Jr, 43-0-1(30) says he will be meeting the likes of Sergio Martinez and Miguel Cotto and maybe countryman Saul Alvarez next year. If he’s still in possession of the alhpabelt he currently holds, that is.
Had Hearns not been so badly stopped by Sturm, I’d have given Ronald a decent chance against the not too hard-hitting Chavez. But not now. Ishida, though, with his power and his lefty stance, could maybe give the still-improving Mexican a fierce argument. If he does sign on to defend against the experienced former titlist, will Chavez make it to his planned second defence in November?