Chavez Jr. vs. Fonfara on April 18!
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (48-1-1, 32 KOs) returns to the ring on Saturday, April 18 in a 12-round clash versus challenger Andrzej Fonfara (26-3, 15 KOs). This clash will take place at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. and will air live on Showtime.
In advance of this matchup (co-promoted by Goossen Promotions and Chavez Promotions), Junior met with a large group of media assembled at the famed Ten Goose Boxing Gym in Van Nuys on Friday night.
The former middleweight champion’s last fight was in March 2014 against Brian Vera. Now the Culiacan warrior will lace up with a new coach, new network and new weight in this light heavyweight bout that promises fireworks inside the squared circle.
Chavez Jr., 29, and his new coach Joe Goossen did a light workout with Goossen telling us he didn’t want to reveal too much as the fight is just a week away. As Julio hit the cushions and circled the ring, his power shots echoed in the gym. Critics have speak often of his lack of discipline but Team Chavez says he is focused and wants to prove naysayers wrong.
Goossen told me training in Lake Tahoe was great and this new pairing is going well since the duo teamed up in the beginning of March.
While Chavez Jr. has way more experience in his career against his 27-year-old Polish foe, the camp says Fonfara is a tough opponent and this fight will be a good battle. Julio will get a chance to shake off the invariable ring rust stemming from his year-long hiatus from fighting.
During the workout, there were also some familiar faces showing support for Chavez Jr. Junior’s father, the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez arrived toward the end of the event. And Julio’s brother Omar Chavez, former champ Gabriel Ruelas, Goossen trainer Ricky Funez, boxing announcer Carlos Avilas and more were also there.
But there was one person who stole a few seconds of the limelight away from Chavez Jr.
As Julio was shadowboxing on the canvas, a little blonde tyke suddenly entered the ring, mimicking the boxing star’s moves while toeing the apron.
The little slugger was Julia Chavez, Junior’s 16-month-old daughter with Frida Muñoz. Julia is adorable and stole the show for a couple of minutes as her papa Julio proudly introduced her to the media. Championship genes run deep in the Chavez familia as tiny Julia showed off some moves of her own while her daddy smiled broadly.
On Friday, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. was relaxed, amiable and all smiles. But come April 18, the son of a legend will no doubt get his game face on as he trades punches with the scrappy Andrzej Fonfara.
Tickets: www.axs.com
Photos by Michele Chong