Martinez vs. Chavez Jr: How Loss Would Affect Both Fighters' Careers
There is much at stake for both Sergio Martinez and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. when they clash on September 15 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Chavez Jr.'s WBC middleweight title is on the line, but the title is just part of the equation.
Martinez (49-2, 28 KOs) is relatively new to boxing's mainstream, but he's 37 years old. As good as he has been over the last five years, he doesn't have a long career ahead of him.
The time is now for Martinez.
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Chavez, Jr. (46-0, 32 KOs) has gone from being known as a mediocre fighter, getting by on his last name, to a legitimate and undefeated champion at 160 pounds.
Even with all he's accomplished, Martinez clearly represents his biggest challenge. If he loses, the doubters will surface again.
The affects of defeat would damage both fighters in their own way.
If Martinez Loses
Depending on how the loss occurs, it could spell the end of Martinez's stay as one of the elite fighters in the division. An early KO loss could damage his psyche and also make a rematch less likely.
At 37 years old, Martinez doesn't have a lot of time to build himself back up from a huge fall.
A close, disputed or highly-competitive loss will almost surely render a rematch. For Martinez, this really wouldn't be a horrible deal. Obviously he'd like to win, but a competitive showing would guarantee him another huge payday and a signature opponent late in his career.
This scenario builds his legacy and fattens his wallet. Even if a rematch can't be made with Chavez, Jr., it sets Martinez up for another major fight.
His stock would still be high, and he'd represent an attractive opponent for other elite fighters.
If Chavez, Jr. Loses
Chavez, Jr. is only 26 years old. Theoretically, he has time to recover from a loss and redeem himself in any way he needs to. However, Chavez, Jr. is not in the same situation as most other 26-year-old champions.
Ever since he first laced up the gloves he's carried the weight of being the son of a boxing legend. His skills have been doubted and though he's charged to a sparkling record, he still doesn't have a victory over a major name on his resume.
Those inside boxing know that Andy Lee and Marco Antonio Rubio are solid fighters, but those names don't resonate with many fans.
If Chavez, Jr. loses to Martinez it will damage his reputation as much as the 46 wins have built it up.
The way the potential loss occurs matters in Chavez, Jr.'s situation as well. An early knockout or lopsided defeat will make Chavez, Jr. look rudimentary. That is a tag that would be devastating for him at this point in his career.
An epic battle that sees him lose a close decision holds some redeeming value. However, Chavez, Jr. is 11 years younger than his opponent. This scenario doesn't hold as much weight as the same type of loss would hold for Martinez.
A late knockout would hurt Chavez, Jr. almost as much as an early one. His heritage screams warrior, toughness and perseverance. It took 13 years for Chavez, Sr. to be stopped in a bout.
A late-stoppage loss for Chavez, Jr. would be seen as weakness.
Is that an unfair comparison?
Of course it is, but it is part of the reality Chavez, Jr. has always had to deal with. The comparisons will never go away.
Expect a Classic
This fight will be exciting. Both men genuinely put on a show, and I don't see this fight being anything less than action-packed.
This is a difficult one to call, but Martinez should be able to outbox Chavez, Jr.
If he decides to stand in front and trade, he'll be opening the door for Chavez, Jr. to wear him down and stop him late.
It should be a great fight no matter the outcome.
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