Julio Cesar Chavez Jr: 5 Potential Opponents

Chavez came through his title defense against Marco Antonio Rubio, and is now looking forward to bigger and better things. Well, possibly not bigger or better, but definitely other opponents.

Though the drunk driving arrest in L.A. prior to the fight with Rubio will probably hurt Jr's public image somewhat, his fans are loyal enough that he'll keep drawing big numbers. That means he's still an attractive opponent for a number of stars in and around his weight class. Furthermore, while Chavez showed considerable heart and guts  in the Rubio bout he's still clearly limited. While he is an improved fighter under Freddie Roach, there's been little improvement in terms of his dedication and discipline. Those deficiencies may make him an even more attractive opponent for some contenders.

And so, let's have a look at five of the boxers Chavez Jr may be facing next. 

Antonio Margarito

Pbbpththttt. Hear that Bob Arum? That's the raspberries that boxing fans are collectively blowing after Dan Rafael at ESPN.com indicated that Margarito may be Jr's. next opponent. That look of agony on Marga-cheato's face? That's how boxing fans should feel about this potential match up.  

Seriously though, this is a typical Arum move. He's protecting his investment, and probably doesn't plan to match him too tough in the near future. Plus this could make for a fun action fight, at least in theory.

Unfortunately, it won't. Margarito is quite simply not a world class fighter, and doesn't seem to have retained any of the skills or gifts that made him one in the past (like a chin). While Chavez Jr may not be elite, he's certainly a Top Ten contender. If this fight gets made, it'll be a steady beat down from first bell to last.

Miguel Cotto

This match up is a significant step up. Cotto is a hard-bitten warrior, who's just below the top tier among the elite. Additionally, he's probably seen better days (thanks in part to Margarito). He has name value, and is a three division titleholder. Though his frame is stocky for a middleweight, he'd probably be tempted by a shot at a fourth title in a fourth weight class, even if the belt is devalued. 

Although this potential fight is pretty much speculation on my part, Cotto has been mentioned as a Chavez opponent in the past. Additionally, the bout makes sense for everyone involved. Cotto and Chavez are promoted by Top Rank, so Arum wouldn't have to share with anyone, Cotto would stand to enhance his legacy, and Chavez Jr could add a name opponent to his record without taking a huge risk.

This fight would probably shake out pretty nicely, providing solid entertainment while it lasted. Although Cotto is clearly the better pound for pound fighter, my gut says that Jr's significant size advantage would lead to a win over the weathered Cotto. 

Saul Alvarez

Canelo is young, undefeated, and is a major attraction, especially in Mexico. This fight (or shall we say event?) has big potential to make money, and has been discussed in the past. It will come up again in the media. 

This is a fun fight, and as mentioned above, would be a huge event in Mexico. It will more than likely be done at some point. Additionally, it would be tons of fun to watch.

Although it makes perfect sense now, Arum has a history of pulling off the biggest fights (See: Mayweahter-Pacquiao) in the hopes of building it up into a bigger event (Read: makes more money). This strategy, however, has backfired on him in the past.

This fight has a worse than 50/50 shot of being made. With so many options for both guys, they're probably not on each other's dance cards next.

Sergio Martinez

This is probably the least likely opponent for Chavez. While the World Boxing Council has apparently determined that J.C. Jr must fight the real champ, they've hemmed and hawed in the past, and there's no reason to think that Papa Sulaiman will actually make this fight a reality. Honestly, that might be a good thing. 

This fight would be a slaughter. Martinez would tear Jr apart. While Martinez-Chavez may some day be made, it's not going to happen next. That's a shame for Martinez (this match up would make him a lot of money), but good for Chavez. Ignoring his belt, any unbiased observer would likely say that J.C. Jr is a lower top ten middleweight contender. Martinez can fry some other eggs (Daniel Geale) in his own division or go after someone just above or below him (Andre Ward?). Chavez needs to grow a lot more before this fight is competitive, and he may not ever get there. 

Andy Lee

Dan Rafael said earlier this week that Lee was being strongly considered as Jr's next opponent, in the same story that was linked to earlier in this slideshow. Frankly, this match up has the highest chance of being made.

This fight makes sense for pretty much everyone. It gives Lee a high profile opponent after re-building his reputation following his loss to Brian Vera a few years ago. It gives Chavez another step up in competition (talent-wise, no one on Chavez's record comes close to Lee). It's a risk, but not as big of a risk as Martinez or Cott, nor is it a clear mismatch like Margarito. 

Making this fight with an eye toward protecting his investment may be a rare mistake for Arum and Top Rank. Lee is a very dangerous fighter, is just as big as Jr, and has better skills. J.C. Jr is going to have to step his training up to win this fight. Way up.

Honorable Mentions

Floyd Mayweather: This fight won't happen next for either guy, obviously. Mayweather is committed to fighting Miguel Cotto on May 6, while Chavez Jr is looking for his next opponent. The fight makes sense if Arum wants to cash in, and it makes sense for Mayweather if he wants to show up one Manny Pacquiao.

Manny Pacquiao: Pacquiao is meeting Timothy Bradley on June 9. Otherwise, this fight would at least some sense. While it's not a real title, it would extend Pacquiao's record of eight titles in eight weight classes, and Chavez Jr would be viewed as a real challenge for Pac-Man. While it's a bit of a stretch, as long as Jr has that green belt, fights like this one and against Mayweather are possible. 

Darren Barker: Making a fight like this would be for the spurious A fought B and gave him hell, then C fought A and beat him up, therefore C is at least as good as B. If Chavez wants to build a case for being the best in the division without actually fighting the best, he could do worse than facing the last guy that Martinez has struggled with. It's a shame, but some folks do buy into that linear type of argument.