Wednesday, January 26th 2011
Chavez Jr. Returns Home to Fight Lyell
The last time JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR. fought in his hometown of Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, he was an as-yet unproven 19-year-old looking to make a name for himself. The date: Dec. 16, 2006. The place: the Plaza de Toros. The opponent: former Mexican champion Christian Solano.
“I remember that night very well,” said Chavez Jr. “I had a lot of support from the fans, and it was a very special night. It was my first main event in a big fight at home, and I was very excited.”
The defensive-minded Solano turned out to be as tough as expected, but Chavez Jr. rose to the occasion. By the 8th round, Chavez Jr. had broken Solano enough to drop him. Though Salano recovered and fought on for the remaining two rounds, Chavez Jr. held onto his lead, and won by unanimous decision.
This Saturday, January 29, Chavez Jr. returns to Culiacan a battle-tested contender on the rise. Impressive wins over credible opponents, including the RECENTLY RETIRED JOHN DUDDY, have earned Chavez Jr. a No. 1 ranking by the WBC Middleweight Division. Every fighter’s dream – a title shot – looms just over the ring.
But first, Chavez Jr. must defeat Ohio’s BILLY LYELL, a 26-year-old veteran known for his aggressive style.
Said Chavez Jr.: “I hope that it will be like it was back in 2006. I know that the fans will support me like they did back then; and I want give them a fight they will remember for a long, long time.”
In addition to his homecoming, Saturday’s fight also marks Chavez Jr.’s second showing under the tutelage of the world’s best trainer, Freddie Roach. Along with strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza, Roach has been in Culiacan for the past two weeks helping the son and namesake of Mexico’s greatest fighter prepare to defend his WBC Silver Middleweight championship.
“Freddie and Alex are great — they are making me into a world-class athlete, said Chavez Jr., “and [I] have learn[ed] so much from them. I know I will be better than when I fought John Duddy and will prove that I am ready to fight for the world championship next.”
Chavez Jr. will dedicate the fight, which will be televised in the United States by Fox Deportes, to Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., who is being inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in June.
“My father is the greatest boxer in Mexican history, and we are all so proud of all his accomplishments,” said Chavez Jr. “But the election into the Hall of Fame is a great honor for our whole family.”
The card will also feature Jackie “The Aztec Princess,” who will defend her WBC Super Bantamweight title against Freda Gonzalez of the United States.
The fights are promoted by Zanfer promotions, and tickets can be purchase at the Banorte Stadium box office or by calling the following number from the United States: 011 52 6677 49 50 34. Scroll down to vote in our Chavez Jr.-Lyell poll.
