Julio Cesar Chavez Jr wins battle with the scales

But whether Julio Cesar Chavez Jr will win the battle with Canelo Alvarez on Saturday night is another question. John Dennen reports from Las Vegas

John Dennen

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr wins battle with the scales
Tom Hogan/Hogan Photos/Golden Boy Promotions

A raucous atmosphere greeted Canelo Alvarez and Julio Cesar Chavez as they weighed in at the MGM Garden Arena before their fight tomorrow (May 6) at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

While you’d expect Canelo to be the crowd favourite, there was still plenty of enthused support for Chavez, who has his legendary father and namesake, Julio Cesar Chavez Sr alongside him. Junior has frequently lost control of his weight and discipline and speculation was rife as to whether he’d make the agreed catchweight of 164 1/2lbs. But he bounded centre stage, arms in air with a maniacal smile. He must have known this first battle was won. In fact he came in a half a pound under their agreed limit.

Canelo had to pack on an additional 10lbs from his last weigh in but he still looked in splendid condition, still a physical unit at 164lbs. “I’m very happy that he made weight. That proves he worked hard, trained hard and guarantees that we can give the fans a great fight that they deserve,” he said. Alvarez fans cheered for him, as Chavez supporters jeered. Dedicating the fight to his people, Canelo declared, “Tomorrow it’s for you.”  

He and Chavez faced off. Alvarez glared up at him with an unflinching stare. Clearly Chavez is taller man but Canelo is broad across the back and chest, his arms thick with muscle. That served as a stark contrast with Chavez Jr who looked terribly thin in comparison, his waist evidently narrow. Whether Junior will be able to resist a sustain attack to the body on Saturday, we shall have to see. Alvarez looks primed for battle. When he turned from Chavez he shadowboxed for a moment, finishing the flurry with an uppercut to punch the air. It looks like he can’t wait to fight.

Canelo-Chavez looms. There is one day left to go.

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