Former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (left) and Brian Vera strike a pose during their weigh in for their upcoming fight Sunday (Manila time). Chris Farina/Top Rank
CARSON, California — Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. thought he was still a super middleweight while training for his comeback fight with Brian Vera.
Even after a full training camp and a postponement, he never managed to get down to that 168-pound (76.2-kilogram) limit.
Chavez weighed in at 172.4 pounds (78.2 kilograms) Friday for his first bout since his thrilling decision loss to Sergio Martinez a year ago. That’s nearly 5 pounds (2 kilograms) more than the super middleweight contract limit agreed upon for this bout, only to be abandoned earlier this week when Chavez knew he couldn’t make it.
Still, after a lengthy suspension for marijuana use, Chavez is heading into the ring Saturday night to show he can still fight, even if he can’t make weight.