Freddie Roach Says Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. May Move to 168 After Facing Andy Lee

Freddie Roach, trainer of the legendary Manny Pacquiao and WBC middleweight (160 lbs.) champ Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., believes Chavez may move up in weight class after his next fight.

According to Boxing Scene's report of an interview with Roach conducted by ESPN, Roach said, "After this fight [with Andy Lee], we'll probably go to 168."

Chavez (45-0-1, 31 KO) has had well-documented problems making weight for his fights.

Chavez has re-hydrated as high as 21 pounds after the weigh-in the day before his most recent fight against Marco Antonio Rubio (53-6-1, 46 KO) this past February.

Now he's set to face Emanuel Steward-trained Andy Lee (28-1, 20 KO), an Irish southpaw who represents the toughest challenge of Chavez's young career.

Chavez could face Ring middleweight champ and pound-for-pound No. 3 fighter Sergio Martinez (49-2-2, 28 KO) on September 15th, but weight problems could eliminate that possibility.

Martinez has stated to the press that he will not move up to the super middleweight division (168 lbs.) to chase a world title in a third weight class.

Roach did not say if there could be a catchweight fight between Chavez and Martinez or if Chavez will pursue the 168 lb. version of the WBC belt currently owned by Ring champ Andre Ward (25-0, 13 KO).

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