Boxing fans will likely have a chance to watch two legends collide as reports revealed Top Rank Promotions is planning to stage an exhibition match between Roberto Duran and Julio Cesar Chavez Sr.
Top Rank Promotions CEO Bob Arum said that he talked to both legends on Saturday after the showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley in Las Vegas. Chavez worked as commentator for a Mexican television network, while Duran was in the venue to promote "Hands of Stone" movie, a fight sponsor that night.
"Roberto was crazy for the idea. He loved it," Arum told ESPN. "It helps promote the movie, which will also be one of the sponsors for the July 23 card. They were just going to do it but now they'll get some mileage out of it and make some money. We're going to get sponsors and give them gifts and honor these two Hispanic greats."
Arum also confirmed that Top Rank Promotions has already reached out to the Nevada State Athletic Commission about the fight. NSAC executive director Bob Bennett also informed ESPN that the exhibition match is already under consideration and will be approved once promoters submit all the necessary requirements and fight details.
If the exhibition match gets an approval, the fight will take place on July 23 as one of the undercards of the junior welterweight title unification bout between Terrence Crawford and Viktor Postol at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Arum also revealed that the 54-year-old Chavez, who had a 107-6-2 record during his career, and the 65-year-old Duran, who owns a 103-16 record with, will both wear protective headgear and 16-ounce gloves.
"I don't want anyone to get hurt," Arum said. "It's fun, which is what it's supposed to be. We'll have a good card and this will be an added bonus and we'll have fun. We'll pay tribute to the two greatest Hispanic fighters."
