Chavez vs. Martinez: War of Words Continues Less Than Two Weeks Before Fight

In just ten days, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. will step through the ropes in Las Vegas to face his biggest challenge as a pro—the recognized middleweight champion Sergio Martinez. 

The fight will be a chance for the younger Chavez (46-0-1 32 KO), son of Mexican legend Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., to step out on his own and out from shadow of his father.

It is a huge step up in competition against a man who has been the middleweight champion for the past two years and has worlds of experience that Chavez lacks.

For Sergio Martinez (49-2-2 28 KO), the fight is much more personal. He feels that he has been disrespected by his younger opponent and he aims to earn his respect in the ring.

What has been a highly personal and intense promotional tour continued today with both fighters escalating a war of words.

"This is definitely something personal," Martinez said on an international conference call, reported by Fightnews.com.

"Not only do I want the title, I want Chavez!"

The bout will be officially contested for Chavez's WBC championship, as well as The Ring Magazine Championship, currently held by Martinez.

Chavez, not to be outdone, responded to Martinez's comments with a threat.

"He's got a big mouth. On September 15th, I'm going to shut him up once and for all," Chavez said on the call, "He's just a big clown."

Martinez and Chavez Jr. will both get the opportunity to make their points on September 15th at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas. The bout, which will occur the same night that Canelo Alvarez defends his junior middleweight title against Josesito Lopez, will be broadcast on HBO PPV.