In a shrewd move by promoter Bob Arum, Chavez, 26, has been guided away from his mandatory challenger for a year whilst he gains valuable experience and grows into being a fully-fledged world title holder – to some out-cry by boxing fans it has to be said.
But the decision looks to have paid dividends as a stunning stoppage win over Andy Lee last night has the disbelievers taking notice and on the back of Martinez’s last two performances, Chavez may go into the fight at least on equal terms to the Argentine.
‘Maravilla’ laboured through much of his last two bouts over the past twelve months, with Darren Barker and Mattew Macklin giving a good account of themselves before Martinez stepped on the gas at will and stopped both in the late rounds.
It may be a case of the 37 year-old being stale and unable to give explosive display’s against what he may see a mediocre opposition, after calling out Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao for the best part of two years.
The southpaw has been going through the motions since his devastating knockout of Paul Williams in 2010 and taking away Chavez Jr’s 47-fight unbeaten record may just be the challenge he needs to reinvigorate his career.
Chavez will be full of confidence going into the bout though, which promises to be his final fight at 160lbs. The Mexican will be looking to avoid becoming Martinez’s fifth straight stoppage victim and establishing himself as one of the best in the world pound for pound on his defining night.
