Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. claims he is motivated for second stage of his career

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. as known as a world-class fighter who isn’t crazy about training. But the former middleweight champion said Thursday he is ready to not only get back into the ring after a year off, he suggested he’s going to be better than ever.

“It’s like a dream,” said Chavez, who Sept. 28 will take on Bryan Vera in a super middleweight fight at StubHub Center in Carson (on HBO). “You think about the comeback, and it’s finally here. This is like the second stage of my career.

“I’m very motivated. I’m going to show everyone I can be the best in the world, pound-for-pound.”

Chavez will be trained by his longtime assistant trainer, Vladimir Baldenebro, for this fight. His father, the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., will assist.

Chavez will go without his regular trainer, Freddie Roach, as Roach is tied up with several other fighters, including Manny Pacquiao. Chavez said Thursday at a news conference in Los Angeles that Roach will be back in his corner after this fight.

Chavez, 27, is 46-1-1 with 32 knockouts. He last fought Sept. 15, 2012, when he lost his title to Sergio Martinez via unanimous decision at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Chavez subsequently tested positive for marijuana and was suspended nine months by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. He was also fined $900,000, but that fine was later reduced to $100,000.

This fight with Vera, 31, was supposed to take place Sept. 7 at Staples Center. But Chavez sustained a cut on his right eyelid during sparring, and it was postponed.

Vera, of Austin, Texas, is 23-6 with 14 knockouts.

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