Daniel Jacobs vs Julio Chavez Jr on December 20!
Matchroom Boxing has announced Daniel Jacobs and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr will square off in a 12-round super middleweight contest. The contest is on schedule for December 20 at the Talking Resort in Phoenix, Arizona. The bout will air on DAZN.
Former two-time world middleweight champion Jacobs (35-3, 29 KO’s) will move up in weight from 160 to 168. For the 32-year old from Brooklyn, he’s excited about this next stage in his career.
“I am thrilled to be making my debut at super middleweight on December 20 against Julio Cesar Chavez. I’ve achieved a dream of becoming a world champion at Middleweight and now I am seeking to secure my legacy by becoming a two-weight world champion. There are some great fighters and champions at 168lbs and I believe that I will be a different beast up at super middleweight. Facing Julio is a great test for my first fight. He’s a former middleweight champion like me and he has the same goal as I do – Julio is always in great fights and I am sure that our styles will gel to be a thriller for the fans, and I plan to announce my arrival at 168lbs in style.”
A CROSSROADS FOR CHAVEZ
Marred by a lack of discipline in and out of the ring, the 33-year-old former WBC World Middleweight champion Chavez Jr (51-2-1, 33 KO’s) is looking to take advantage of what could be his last big-fight opportunity.
“I know that Danny Jacobs is a former world champion and is a strong fighter with very good boxing skills. Those are the kind of boxers that bring out the best in me. I’ve been working hard in the gym and can’t wait to let everyone see what I’ve been working on. I’m very motivated to get the win and at the end of the night, I will have my hand raised in victory. I ask my fans to believe in me. I will deliver.”
In many aspects, this is a crossroads fight. Both men need to win to stay relevant.
Jacobs is the favorite entering this fight. A loss would be a big stumbling block in his dream of becoming a two-division world champion. Defeat means a serious re-evaluation of his career.
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr is a lightning rod. Many fans view him as someone living off of his father’s legendary name, a fighter continuing to get undeserved opportunities (including this upcoming fight against Jacobs). A loss would be the last straw in the eyes of most.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
