Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Injury: Updates on Boxer's Hand and Return | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

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Chavez Surgery Successful; Potentially Out for Remainder of 2015

Saturday, Aug. 22

Chavez spoke about his surgery to ESPN Deportes, via Miguel Rivera of Boxing Scene:

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. The surgery went well, the surgeon told me it was a bit complicated because of the way the knuckle ball was connected to the finger, but ultimately it was successful. It lasted just over an hour.

According to ESPN.com's Eduardo Souss, the surgery means he may not be able to fight again in 2015.

Per Souss, the injury has thrown Chavez off the course he originally intended to take: "I was supposed to be back in the gym by the end of this month, but the hand kept bothering me, and I was referred to this doctor, who evaluated me again and told me that surgery was necessary, which changes my plans, but I hope to come out of this stronger."

According to Rivera, Chavez was hoping to fight in October or November against Badou Jack, George Groves, Lucian Bute or Paul Smith.

That will no longer be the case, although the Mexican superstar hasn't ruled out potentially returning before the calendar changes to 2016, per Souss: "According to what the doctor said, I'll be three months without punching with that hand. Obviously, I'll be running and training in what I can, so I could be back in December, if not in January 2016, but I don't want too much time to pass."

The 29-year-old former WBC middleweight champion is the son of legendary boxer Julio Cesar Chavez, and he has followed in his father's footsteps honorably with a career record of 49-2-1.

Chavez bounced back nicely from an April loss to Poland's Andrzej Fonfara to defeat Reyes, and he is seemingly on track to land a significant fight when healthy.

Expecting that bout to take place in 2015 may be pushing it considering the nature of the injury, but Chavez is clearly motivated to return as quickly as possible. 

Taking a cautious approach and allowing his injury to heal properly is likely the best course of action; however, Chavez's desire to get back in the ring is obvious, so don't be surprised if he finds a way to overcome the current timetable.