Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (49–2–1) underwent successful surgery to address his fractured left hand Thursday. However, the injury seems to be more serious than early diagnose which could mean that the 29-year-old boxer may have to wait until 2016 to make a ring return.
Chavez suffered the injury after his July 18 match against Marco Antonio Reyes in El Paso, Texas. The former World Boxing Council (WBC) middleweight champion won via unanimous decision over Reyes but apparently, such came with a hefty price.
Chavez hurt his hand in the third round of that bout before being adjudged the winner.
Chavez had initially planned to return to active duty as early as October but with the latest findings, it seems that the Mexican boxer will have to rest his hand for at least three months before he is able to throw a punch once again.
Chavez complained of his hand after the Reyes fight and X-rays showed that he needed to undergo surgery. The procedure was performed by Dr. Steven S. Shin.
"They put some screws in the knuckle. According to the doctor I will have them for at least one month and then they are going to remove them, and then I can start rehabilitation, which will take me another month," Chavez Jr. told ESPN Deportes via Boxing247.com .
Even though he will not be able to use his hands for at least the next three months, Chavez plans to focus on other aspects of training such as running. If he is able to get himself back in competitive form, Chavez says that he could fight again by January 2016.
This news somehow puts his career on hold. Chavez was hoping to build momentum in his career after the win over Reyes. Prior to that, he fell to Andrzej Fonfara who totally dominated the game. A left hook to the forehead in the ninth round took its toll on Chavez, forcing him to retire before the 10th round; he thus lost via total knockout.
