Should Chavez Jr have been in the ring last night?

[corvette]

Yea for sure Fonfara is good, but the fact that he couldn't miss Jr last night and was so much stronger is pretty telling. Career wise Jr is what he is now, doesn't have a prayer of being a top guy. Literally anyone decent above 160 beats him.

As said, Chavez has not fought in about a year, and certainly not anyone at the level of at least Fonfara at that weight with Fonfara being in the ring with quality opponents.

Rewatching it it almost feels like it was his sink or swim moment, bit of a cash out roll the dice. He was going life and death with Brian Vera prior and clowned by Martinez. One of his better showings has seen Lee rebound and pass him by in a way. Chavez is stuck now, can't-won't make 160-168 and clearly more sluggish and aloof at 175.

This "passing him by" is an illusion. Just one guy stayed in the wasteland that is 160. If Lee was in with Fonfara he's be stopped too. Neither Lee nor Jr is very good, they just have achievements based on what's around them.

One guy knows his limitations and knows he has no business at Lt. hvy. He also beat and more than hung with top contenders, showed the ability to adjust and again propel himself into a high profile fight..as champion. That's what I mean by passing him by. Irony is they both lost to Vera the first time out. Lee has walked through Hell to come back...Chavez has been down 1 time as a pro and effectively chose to stay there, on the stool.

Lee hasn't adjusted at all.

If Jr would dedicate himself he'd beat Lee again at MW.