Five months removed from a controversial decision that handed Julio César Chávez Jr. a victory over Bryan Vera, two of the most notable figures in professional boxing are set to meet once again with plenty on the line for both parties. Chávez Jr. took the first meeting after judges scored the bout 98-92, 97-93 and 96-94 in his favor though most felt Vera was in better shape and outperformed his 28-year-old opponent. In addition to the views of fans and those in the boxing circles, 53 of the 59 media members who had their scores tallied were in favor of Bryan Vera while the other six scored the fight a draw.
Firing back at comments damaging his physical conditioning, Chávez – who will be forced to hand over $250,000 if he fails to meet weight requirements for the Vera bout – says the birth of his daughter Julia has undoubtedly helped renew his focus. The former WBC Middleweight Champion also stated that he will not have any problem hitting the 168 pound weight limit for Saturday’s highly anticipated bout. The previous showdown with Vera saw weight requirements change three times - from 165 to 168 and finally at 173 – but this time Chávez says it won’t be an issue.
“I will make the 168 pound limit with no problem and I will be able to do the things I could not do in first fight," Chavez, whose only career loss came in September of 2012 against Argentine Sergio Martinez, said recently. "I will have better movement, I will be more consistent and I will fight 12 hard rounds if that is what it takes to win this second fight. Vera is a tough guy with a good chin, but I will do my best to send him home early.”
While Chávez Jr. finalizes his preparation for Saturday’s fight at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Bryan Vera – who owns a career 23-7 record that includes 14 KO’s – said this week that he’s prepared for this fight like no other. Enduring double the workouts and extensive training session, the Mexican-American star hopes to be the one with his arms raised after what is expected to be another entertaining duel.
“I did all of my training times two,” Vera said. “This has been the longest camp of my career. I sparred against heavyweights to get ready for Chavez Jr. I am going to beat him for the second time. Everyone knows I won the first fight. This is a serious fight with only one ending…I will get my hand raised.”
Julio César Chávez Jr. vs. Bryan Vera: DATE, TIME & VIEWING INFO
DATE: Saturday, March 1
TIME: 9:45pm, ET
VENUE: Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas
TV COVERAGE: HBO
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