Chavez’s diligence comes into question

By now, Freddie Roach has gotten accustomed to the drama.

Not that the Hall of Fame boxing trainer wants any theatrics. But he also knows there's no such thing as a perfect training camp.

As he and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. wrap up preparations for Chavez's defense of his WBC middleweight title Saturday against Sergio Martinez at the Thomas & Mack Center, Roach hopes his best will be good enough to keep Chavez atop the division.

"I've been a little frustrated," Roach said Tuesday about the camp, which shuttled between Roach's Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles and the Top Rank gym and Chavez's rented home in Las Vegas along with some late-night workouts as well as some no-shows by the fighter. "I've had to get him to come to the gym instead of working from home. But once he starts working, he works hard.

"But we got caught up, and even though the times were awkward and the workouts were awkward, I've very comfortable with where he's at."

Chavez, who will be fighting for the third time in 2012, said he didn't want to overtrain. He promised he'll be ready to fight Saturday.

"Basically, it's been a year of nonstop training," he said through an interpreter after his arrival Tuesday at Wynn Las Vegas. "But I feel great, and I'm ready."

Roach said he was getting frustrated with Chavez's perceived lack of commitment to preparing for what is the biggest fight of his career. Two weeks ago, Roach was at his wit's end as Chavez would show up late, or not at all, to the gym. There had been a half-dozen no-shows by Chavez during the eight weeks of preparation for Martinez.

Finally, he and the 26-year-old Chavez had a heart-to-heart talk in late August and came to an understanding.

"It shouldn't need to have come to this," Roach said of having to coax Chavez to stay diligent in his preparation for a smart, tough fighter in Martinez. "I told (Chavez) 'I'm not here to hurt you; I'm here to help you.' But once me and Julio talked, things were fine. He's done a great job."

Chavez (46-0-1, 32 knockouts) admitted he had his own ideas as to how he should prepare for the 37-year-old Martinez (49-2-2, 28 KOs). He didn't believe sparring all the time was the best way.

"I wanted to make sure I was in great shape," said Chavez, who claimed he weighed 166 pounds Tuesday, 6 over the limit. "I've learned how to eat properly and train the right way to take the weight off. I feel good."

To that end, Chavez brought back Alex Ariza as his strength and conditioning coach to help him build up the strength in his legs. Ariza, who also has worked with some of Roach's other fighters, most notably Manny Pacquiao, has clashed with Roach in the past. Roach said it was Chavez's call.

"Conditioning is only half the battle," Roach said. "But Alex and I haven't had any problems."

Same with Chavez's legendary father, who will be in his son's corner Saturday.

"Me and Julio Sr. discuss things, and if we disagree on something, I explain to him why I think this will work or why this won't work and we come to an agreement," Roach said. "I always listen to what he has to say, and we respect each other."

He has gotten the father to listen. Now, Roach has the son's attention. Maybe the drama is behind them.

■ NOTES - After being taken off the card, the WBA super bantamweight title fight between Guillermo Rigondeaux and Roberto Marroquin is back on Saturday at the Thomas & Mack. Rigondeaux's legal issues with his manager, Gary Hyde, were resolved Monday night, allowing the fight to proceed. ... Top Rank announced Tuesday afternoon the fight is sold out. Locals who don't buy the HBO Pay Per View telecast can watch on closed-circuit TV at Wynn. Prices are $70 for reserved seating and $50 for general admission to the closed-circuit telecast.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow him on Twitter: @stevecarprj.