Julio Cesar Chavez Jr to fight Andrzej Fonfara on April 18
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr (48-1-1, 32 KOs) will fight light heavyweight contender Andrzej Fonfara (26-3, 15 KOs) on April 18 at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.
The Mexican will return to the ring from a 13-month layoff at a catch-weight of 172 pounds against Fonfara, having fought only twice in the last two years, both points wins against Bryan Vera, including a highly controversial decision in their first fight.
After the Vera rematch, Chavez parted from career-long promoter Top Rank, whose CEO Bob Arum claims he owes the company one more fight and is now suing the former world middleweight champion, and then signed with adviser Al Haymon in November.
Chavez, 29, who will be fighting for the first time under the guidance of new trainer Joe Goossen, plans on moving back down to 168 pounds after this bout, and fight world super middleweight champion Carl Froch in the summer.
"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. "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."
Fonfara, 27, of Poland, challenged WBC light heavyweight champion Adonis Stevenson, whom he dropped in the ninth round in a good action, competitive fight before losing by unanimous decision in May. He rebounded with a unanimous decision win against Doudou Ngumbu in November in his last outing.
"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."