Jesus “El Matador” Chavez: Healthy and Looking to Reclaim His Crown.

Tonight, live from the Staples Center in California, and part of the televised portion of the pay-per-view under-card that is dedicated to the finale of a legend, Julio Cesar Chavez, Jesus “El Matador” Chavez makes his return to the ring. Chavez, who is the former WBC super featherweight titlist, will be swapping leather with former IBF junior lightweight titlist, Carlos “El Famoso” Hernandez for the right to challenge current WBC super featherweight champion, “The Baby Faced Assassin,” Marco Antonio Barrera. It has been approximately fifteen months since “El Matador” stepped into the ring, in what ended up being an unforgettable contest. After capturing the WBC super featherweight championship, which he won on August 15, 2003 via unanimous decision against Sirimongkol Singwancha, Chavez stepped into the ring on February 28, 2004, determined to defend that title against Tijuana, Mexico ring legend Erik “El Terrible” Morales. It was a fight that few gave Jesus a chance to win, but “El Matador” seemed focused, ready, determined, and fearless as he made his walk to the ring.

It did not take long for Chavez to make a statement as he seriously hurt Morales in the opening stanza with a looping right hand, which opened the door for a follow up left hook. Most of the spectators were shocked, but Jesus had a look on his face that seemed like this was exactly what he expected. What “El Matador” did not expect was that after he was floored twice by Morales in the second round, Chavez would attempt to halt his challenger’s aggressive attack by catching Erik with another looping right hand. Only this time, the punch would not find its mark, and would result in “El Matador” re-injuring a rotator cuff, which he had surgery on, in his right shoulder. In his true “Tough Texan” style, Chavez would not say a word to his corner, and would just continue to press the action.

As the fight wore on, everyone started to notice that Chavez was no longer using his right hand. “El Matador” worked exclusively with his left, shooting stiff jabs, hard hooks to the body, and wide looping hooks to the head. A two fisted Morales started to land some vicious power shots as Chavez waded in swinging with his left hand. In any other sport, a timeout would have been called and the injured athlete would be replaced, but in boxing, there is no such luxury. “El Matador” could have called it quits at anytime without having to worry about carrying the moniker of “quitter,” but in true “Mexican Machismo” fashion, Jesus soldiered on, taking the fight to Morales trying to take his head off using only his left hand. Chavez would take a vicious beating for eight more rounds, but refused to surrender the title on his stool. At one point, Chavez said, “If I’m going to lose my belt, it’s going to be on my feet.” Jesus would have his moments in the contest, but beating “El Terrible” with only one arm was just too much and he went on to lose a lopsided twelve round unanimous decision.

He may have lost that fight, but Jesus ended up winning a lot of respect from fans and media alike as “El Matador” showed that he was a force to be reckoned with in the 130- pound weight class. Later, it was discovered that Chavez also suffered a knee injury in that fight. Both ailments were tended to, and Jesus Chavez has said that he is healthy and ready to return and claim his WBC super featherweight title. It is not going to be easy as across the ring from his tonight is another determined, tough as nails fighter in Carlos “El Famoso” Hernandez. Still, Chavez always gives his all and is one tough customer.

So fight fans, make sure you tune in tonight as this promises to be a “Peer Six” brawl type of affair, which pits two of the toughest hombres in the sport. We will see if “El Matador” can stay healthy and keep up a fast pace over what is sure to be a grueling fight for as long as it lasts. I cannot wait for tonight.

Sergio Martinez can be reached at srg_mrtnz@yahoo.com