Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr aims to remain undefeated vs. John Duddy

Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr., the son of the legendary Mexican boxer Julio Chavez, Sr. goes up against Ireland's boxing star John Duddy in a 12-round middleweight fight at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas Saturday night.

Like the Ring Magazine's no.2 pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather, Jr., who is undefeated in his entire professional boxing career, Chavez is also trying to protect his zero loss record by defeating John Duddy. Chavez is fresh from his victory over Troy Rowland last November 14 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada via a unanimous decision. It was his 42nd fight in his professional boxing career. Irishman John Duddy is older than Julio by six years, as well as being the shorter man at 5'11" to 6'1," the Irishman who is 29-1(18) is also going in with the biggest name of his pro career; and arguably the best overall fighter of his seven-year pro career. For his fight with John Duddy, Chavez is switching coach. He is now training under Freddie Roach who is last year's BWAA Boxing Trainer of the Year. Roach is happy with the way Chavez is adjusting at the Wild Card gym. Fightnews.com reports:

He is such a great person to know. We are in tough against Duddy. Duddy likes to throw hard right hands and Julio tends to get hit with rights. That’s not a good combination for us. Julio had no problems sparring 12 rounds in the gym last week. He is in very good shape and if he can pressure Duddy, I think Julio has a very good chance of being the first to stop him.”

For his part, Chavez said of his new trainer:

“At first I thought to myself, ‘Could I really hack it with Freddie Roach? Could I make it?’
I did and I am a better fighter for it. He has taught me so much in our time together. I am excited, motivated and in great condition. I am going to show everyone Saturday what being in great condition really means. Duddy is a good strong fighter, however. I expect a tough fight and I am sure Duddy will fight hard.”

Saturday night's attraction at the famous Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas includes powerhouse supporting bouts including a come-back fight of famous Mexican boxer Marco Antonio Barrera against Aduilton de Jesus of Bahia, Brazil in the lightweight division.