Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. might be fighting any time soon.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission upheld Chavez’s suspension, casting further uncertainty on whether he will be able to fight Danny Jacobs in a super middleweight bout scheduled for December 20 in Phoenix.
Nevada’s decision Wednesday at its annual meeting was no surprise. The NSAC was not happy that Chavez refused to submit to drug testing. It was also angry at promoter Eddie Hearn’s subsequent decision to move the troubled card, from Las Vegas’ MGM Grand to Talking Stick Arena in downtown Phoenix.
Under federal laws established by the Muhammad Ali Act, Arizona is expected to honor Nevada’s ongoing suspension. However, the Arizona State Boxing & MMA Commission had yet to rule on whether to let the fight happen.
The Arizona Commission is waiting on legal advice from the Arizona Gaming Commission. The state regulatory agency for combat sports answers to the Gaming Commission. Reportedly, Gabe Rosado will fight Jacobs if Chavez can’t.