Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. to Fight on April 26

Posted by Ramon Aranda on 03.18.2008

Press conference held in Las Vegas this past weekend and 411mania interviews Chavez Jr.


Photos by Laura De La Torre

Over the weekend in Las Vegas, Top Rank held a press conference on the day of the Pacquiao-Marquez fight to announce their next installment of the Latin Fury PPV events. On April 26, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (35-0-1, 28 KOs) will take on accomplished Michele Orlando (35-5-2, 18 KOs) of Italy.



"This will be the biggest fight for Julio Jr., taking on Orlando who has so much international experience. Orlando has been in many title fights, has a different kind of style and for me personally this is a very intriguing matchup", said Bob Arum of Top Rank.

Chavez, who had no amateur career, has had to dig deep in his most recent bouts. First battling with Ray Sanchez in New Mexico and most recently Jose Celaya in Leon, Mexico, the level of experience and toughness in his opponent is starting to increase.

"The last couple fights have been very tough, but I have found a way to win them and that's the most important thing. I plan on having a big year and this second fight of 2008 will show that I am ready to take bigger challenges, said Chavez Jr.

Orlando is unbeaten against undefeated fighters and has been in 16 title fights including eight for European titles. He is a three-time Italian champion.

For this fight, Chavez Jr. will train in Culiacan, Mexico while Orlando will train in Italy before taking a flight to Mexico one week before the bout.



Then, on May 17, Jorge "Travieso" Arce (48-4-2, 37 KOs), of Mexico City, will headline the "Latin Fury IV" card from Aguascalientes, Mexico against Devid Lookmahanak (18-1, 9 KOs) of Thailand in a title eliminator for a shot at Cristian Mijares.

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After the press conference, I stepped to the side with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. for a short interview.

Ramon Aranda: To what do you attribute the tough battle you had in your last fight against Jose Celaya?

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.: Well honestly, I just didn't have any strength, any legs and if you don't have either of the two, which is very important in the ring, you can't do a whole lot. I just didn't feel good and I couldn't do the things that I usually do in that ring.

Ramon Aranda: Did you train differently at all for that fight or was it more of the same?

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Well it wasn't all that different but I had to switch to a different city and I didn't get the same amount of time to prepare. Fifteen days in Culiacan, and fifteen days in Guanajuato and I couldn't get accustomed to the change in elevation.

Ramon Aranda: You've said previously that you feel you're ready to fight for a world title but your promoter Bob Arum has stated that he prefers you wait until 2009 to get your first shot. Are you satisfied with that strategy?

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.: Well, it's like I've mentioned that I'm going to fight on April 26 and then fight soon after that and then we'll see what happens..

Ramon Aranda: How many times a year would you like to fight. Your dad was known for fighting various times a year in both Mexico and in the U.S…..

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.: Four times a year is what my goal is right now.

Ramon Aranda: Are you comfortable fighting at your current weight or do you plan on moving up soon?

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.: Well my previous fight was at super welterweight and at that weight I have no problems. Where I do have issues is making the welterweight division (of 147 pounds) and that's why I've had problems, but I plan on fighting at 154 pounds.

Ramon Aranda: Your upcoming opponent Michele Orlando, have you seen him fight previously?

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.: Only on the internet, I've seen a pair of fights. He has some experience and has fought for a few titles but he hasn't really fought outside of Italy. Like most Europeans, I expect him to be strong and I just have to prepare very well for him and I'll be ready.

Ramon Aranda: For an opponent like that, someone that you haven't seen much of. How do you prepare for that type of fight?

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.: Well they'll give me some videos of him and that will give me a chance to study him and be prepared for what he brings.

Ramon Aranda: Thanks Julio, and good luck.

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Chavez gives Arum a friendly chin-check

Latin Fury III will be promoted by Top Rank and will feature four televised bouts which will be available on pay per view.