By Dr. Ed De La Vega
Last night atEl Paso,Texas young Cesar Chavez Jr., proved that indeed he belongs to the elite class of middleweights.
A deserving champion, to say the least!
Chavez battered Andy Lee of Irelandinto submission in round 7th in spite of being behind in the score cards of all the three judges at the time of stoppage and leg cramps he was suffering from the early part of the fight.
Now the huge super fight with Sergio Martinez has more reasons to happen. Chavez has earned his spot in that super fight and the promoters, Bob Arum (Chavez) and Lou Di Bella (Martinez) must make it happen.
September 15th would be a great day for the Chavez-Martinez fight.
Chavez’s victory is his third inTexas. Now he deserves the “bigger stage”.
But which stage?
A Chavez-Martinez fight would be great at theStaplesCenterinLos Angelesdue to the numerous Mexicans who can fill-up the Staples. Besides “judging” inCaliforniawill be far cry better compared to that of their neighbors inNevada.
The only problem with theStaplesCenteris its relationship with Oscar de la Hoya of the Golden Boy Promotions, the bitter rival of Bob Arum of Top Rank. Arum will never have anything to do with anything remotely associated with Golden Boy.
But Arum is a bad-ass promoter. He will casually forget his animosity against Golden Boy for the right amount of money to be had. I have no doubt he will re-consider given the thought of making insane amount of money in LA.
Las Vegasthen?
With what happened at the Pacquiao-Bradley fight, many lost trust inLas Vegasso I really do not think big fights should be happening there anytime soon. At least not after they do an impartial investigation of the Pacquiao-Bradley fight and retire aging judges like Ford and Ross.
Besides, Golden Boy Promotions has booked MGM on September 15th for the Canelo Alvarez vs Victor Ortiz. The only hindrance will be a guy name Garcia who fights Ortiz next weekend inLos Angeles. If Ortiz losses, he can kiss the Canelo fight good bye.
Texas?
Texasis not any better thanLas Vegas. If Chavez did not stop Lee, I hate to see what would have been the result of the judging.
Another Rios-Abril or Pacquiao-Bradley could have possibly happen. Who knows?
New Yorkperhaps?
New Yorkwould be better next toLos Angelesbecause its closer to South America andMartinezsupporters will have more reasons to hope in a plane and see the fight live. The Big Apple is also home to many Mexicans who I am sure will welcome the possibility of seeing their countryman fight.
Mexico City?
If Sergio Martinez will agree,Mexico Cityis not a bad place to hold the fight particularly in September. A Chavez-Martinez fight on a Mexican Holiday can fill out the biggest bull fight arena inMexico. It will be great to see Mexicans see Chavez Jr., on the biggest Mexican stage. There is no doubt money from all sources will flow in support of such fight.
Where ever it will be, I hope the promoters will forget petty difference and just for once put together a fight people like to see.
They can’t put the Pacquiao-Mayweather together. The very least can do for the fans is
make the Chavez-Martinez happen!
Photo: Chris Farina / Top Rank