Sports Illustrated writer Chris Mannix believes Julio Cesar Chavez has potential to be a great fighter, but his shenanigans are keeping him as someone banking on his father's legendary name, the veteran sports columnist stated in his latest article.
Mr Mannix, a renowned boxing writer for the popular sports media outlet, did not mince any word in calling Chavez Jr. immature and nothing good but a pay-per-view attraction.
Chavez's immaturity became known to the public during HBO's 24/7 coverage of his preparation for his middleweight title clash with Sergio Martinez. At his camp, the young Chavez was caught several times out of focus and even made Freddie Roach waiting for several hours to begin training.
The result was tragic for Chavez, who went on to absorb his first career loss at the hands of Martinez. Although he did floor the proud Argentine champion in the action-packed 12th round, this consolation was overshadowed by NSAC's imposition of a 9-month ban along with $100,000 fine after he tested positive for marijuana.
"Chavez is immature. We knew it last September, when HBO's 24/7 cameras zoomed in on Chavez's trainer, Freddie Roach, seething in the gym, waiting for a fighter who would never show. We knew it in October, when Chavez was hit with an absurd $900,000 fine -- later reduced to $100K -- for testing positive for marijuana before the Martinez fight," said Mr Mannix in his article.
Realizing the value of his father, the youngster decided to promote Chavez Sr. as the head trainer for his upcoming fight against Brian Vera on Sept 28 at Staples Center. However, problems continued to haunt Chavez Jr following reports of his struggle to trim down weight.
Top Rank boss, Bob Arum, confirmed this recently, after announcing the official weight for the bout will be decided at the weigh in.
"It is very difficult when a young man starts at the age that he did," said Arum told Sports Illustrated. "He had a completely different body than the body that he has now. Now he has matured and he is a big, big kid," he added.
Despite all the fiascos surrounding Chavez, Mannix remains a believer in the Mexican's potential, though he thinks it needs more than the skills and warrior attitude he inherited from his father to do the trick. Chavez needs to man up.
"But until he takes his career seriously, he will continue to be little more than attraction. Until he makes a commitment, he will be just a kid cashing in on his father's name," said Mannix.
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