The return of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (48-1-1, 32 KOs) comes to StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., on Saturday April 18 as the Mexican superstar makes his Showtime Championship Boxing debut against exciting brawler Andrzej Fonfara (26-3, 15 KOs) in a 12-round light heavyweight bout, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT).
Tickets for the event, which is co-promoted by Goossen Promotions and Chavez Promotions, are priced at $200, $150, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges, go on sale today at 12 p.m. PT and are available for purchase online at AXS.com.
“I’m excited to get back in the ring and remind everyone that I’m one of the best fighters in the world,” said Chavez Jr. “I have a tough test on April 18, but I am going to pass with flying colors, and I look forward to taking on any challengers after that.”
“This is another great opportunity for me, and I’m very thankful to have it,” said Fonfara. “I’ve been in there with the best fighters in the world and as always I’m going to try to put on a show for the fans and walk out victorious.”
“Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Andrzej Fonfara are two of the hardest punching boxers in the sport,” said Tom Brown of Goossen Promotions. “This fight will be an epic battle of wills and will add another chapter to the long list of outstanding fights that have taken place at the StubHub Center.”
“As a fight fan, I love watching Julio fight. As a network executive, I’m thrilled for him to make his SHOWTIME debut on April 18,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “Julio is one of the most exciting and popular boxers in the sport today, and with a new team behind him, we expect big things from him in 2015. But Andrzej Fonfara is a real test, and he’s proven he’s not intimidated by any opponent.”
The oldest son of the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez, the 29-year-old is a former middleweight world champion looking to earn himself another world title shot. Born in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, Chavez Jr. turned pro in 2003 and won his first 23 fights. His first blemish came against Carlos Molina, who he fought to a draw in 2005, before coming back to beat him two months later. After running his record to 41-0-1, he earned a middleweight world title shot against Sebastian Zbik, which he won by majority decision. He would go on to successfully defend his belt against Peter Manfredo Jr., Marco Antonio Rubio, and Andy Lee before losing a decision in 2012 to Sergio Martinez. Most recently Chavez Jr. defeated rugged contender Bryan Vera twice, first in 2013 and again in their 2014 rematch.
Born in Warsaw, Poland and fighting out of Chicago, Fonfara is a late-bloomer who has put together a string of impressive recent performances. Last year, the 27-year-old battled lineal light heavyweight world champion Adonis Stevenson for 12 tough rounds and despite dropping a decision, he impressed a lot of fans with his grit and determination. Victorious over former world champions Byron Mitchell, Glen Johnson and Gabriel Campillo, Fonfara’s most recent win came in November 2014 when he dominated Doudou Ngumbu in his adopted home of Chicago, earning him this chance against Chavez Jr.
Chavez Jr. vs. Fonfara, is a 12-round bout that takes place at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. and will air on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT). The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).
