The cancellation of the long awaited boxing match between Misael Rodriguez and Omar Chavez has left the boxing community in shock. The fight, scheduled for the night of Saturday night at the Vicente Segura Bullring in Pachuca, Hidalgo. Pachuca, Hidalgowas abruptly cancelled due to a dispute over the weight of the fighters, sparking outrage from fans and prominent figures in the sport. One of the loudest voices afterwards was Mauricio Sulaiman, president of the World Boxing Council(WBC), who harshly criticized both Rodriguez and the fighters. Rodriguez and the Mexico City Boxing Commission for the decision.
A Shocking Cancellation In A Full Stadium
The incident occurred a few hours before the fighters were scheduled to enter the ring. It was expected that Omar Chavezson of the legendary Julio César Chávez, and Misael Rodriguezbronze medalist at the Rio 2016 Olympic Gamesoffered an electrifying match. However, Chavez’s weight became a focal point of controversy. Sources report that the fight was set at. 76.5 kilogramswith a limit of 81 kilograms for the night of the fight. Rodriguez weighed 78.6 kilogramswhile Chavez registered a shocking 86 kilograms, surpassing the limit by almost 8 kilograms. 8 kilograms.
This dramatic difference in weight led to the cancellation, and Rodriguez refused to step into the ring. Fans who had eagerly gathered for the fight were disappointed and many felt the decision was a slap in the face to those who had paid for tickets.
Sulaiman’s strong response
Mauricio Sulaimán did not mince words when addressing the situation. In an interview with ESPN, Sulaimán described the whole affair as. “very unfortunate” and and added that there was “a lot of confusion and inconsistency.. He criticized the rule of the Boxing Commission of the CDMXwhich prevents fighters from weighing more than 4 kg. 4 kilograms above their initial weigh-in on fight day. “This rule is unheard of”Sulaimán commented. “In most of the world, if you make the weight at the official weigh-in, the fight takes place the next day. This kind of situation is unprecedented.”
Sulaiman further noted that both fighters had made the official weigh-in, emphasizing that Chavez and Rodriguez should have fought regardless of the overnight weight change. “Both fighters made the weight, and that’s what matters”he said, reiterating that once the weigh-in is done, the fight must go on, even if a fighter gains weight after rehydration.
Barby Juarez says
The controversy attracted the attention of other prominent figures in the boxing world, including former world champion Mariana “Barby” Juarez. Juarez was particularly critical of Rodriguez for refusing to fight. “This wasn’t even a championship fight,”Juarez said. “If anything, the extra weight would have been a disadvantage for Omar, not Misael. To me, this decision was disrespectful, especially to the fans.”
Juarez’s comments sparked further debate, as many in the boxing community began to question the need for such strict weight regulations for non-title fights. “Omar’s weight gain would have affected him more than Misael”Juarez added, noting that gaining so much weight after the official weigh-in could lead to fatigue and reduced agility in the ring.
Omar Chavez Apologizes to Fans
After the cancellation, a visibly frustrated Omar Chavez stepped into the ring to address the fans. “I’m in shock. I don’t know what happened,” Chavez told the crowd.Chavez told the crowd. “I did everything I was supposed to do. I trained for two months, I made the weight and I did everything the commission asked me to do. I came here to fight for you.
Chavez expressed his disappointment not only with Rodriguez but also with the commission’s role in the cancellation. “I don’t understand why Rodriguez refused to fight. I was ready to do it, no matter what.”
Julio Cesar Chavez Criticizes Rodriguez
Omar’s father, Julio Cesar Chavezalso expressed his disappointment. In a video published in social networks, Chavez father criticized Rodriguez and his trainer, Robert Garcia, for pulling out of the fight. “This is unbelievable,”he said. “Omar made the weight. Fighters always rehydrate after weigh-ins, it’s part of the sport. For Rodriguez and his team to refuse to fight is a disgrace.”
A divisive decision
The fallout from this cancelled fight has raised serious questions about the application of weight limits and the role of local commissions in high profile fights. Sulaiman, Juarez and the Chavez family have made it clear that they believe the decision to cancel was unnecessary and detrimental to the sport. As the boxing world continues to debate the issue, it remains to be seen if changes will be made to avoid similar situations in the future.
