The cancellation of the highly anticipated boxing match between Misael Rodríguez and Omar Chávez has left the boxing community in shock. The fight, scheduled for Saturday night at the Plaza de Toros Vicente Segura in Pachuca, Hidalgo, was abruptly called off due to a dispute over the fighters’ weight, sparking outrage from fans and prominent figures in the sport. One of the strongest voices in the aftermath was Mauricio Sulaimán, President of the World Boxing Council (WBC), who sharply criticized both Rodríguez and the Mexico City Boxing Commission for the decision.
A Shocking Cancellation in a Packed Arena
The incident occurred just hours before the fighters were set to enter the ring. Omar Chávez, son of the legendary Julio César Chávez, and Misael Rodríguez, a bronze medalist at the 2016 Rio Olympics, were expected to deliver an electrifying match. However, the weight of Chávez became a focal point of controversy. Sources report that the fight was set at 76.5 kilograms, with a limit of 81 kilograms for the night of the bout. Rodríguez weighed in at 78.6 kilograms, while Chávez registered a shocking 86 kilograms, exceeding the limit by nearly 8 kilograms.
This dramatic weight difference prompted the cancellation, with Rodríguez refusing to step into the ring. Fans who had eagerly gathered for the fight were left disappointed, and many felt that the decision was a slap in the face to those who had paid for tickets.
Sulaimán’s Strong Response
Mauricio Sulaimán didn’t mince words when addressing the situation. In an interview with ESPN, Sulaimán called the whole affair “very unfortunate,” adding that there was “a lot of confusion and inconsistency.” He criticized the CDMX Boxing Commission’s rule, which prevents fighters from weighing more than 4 kilograms over their initial weigh-in on the day of the fight. “This rule is unheard of,” Sulaimán commented. “In most of the world, if you make weight at the official weigh-in, the fight happens the next day. This kind of situation is unprecedented.”
Sulaimán further pointed out that both fighters had made the official weigh-in weight, emphasizing that Chávez and Rodríguez 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, a fight should proceed, even if one fighter gains weight after rehydration.
Barby Juárez Weighs In
The controversy drew attention from other prominent figures in the boxing world, including former world champion Mariana “Barby” Juárez. Juárez was particularly critical of Rodríguez for refusing to fight. “This wasn’t even a championship bout,” Juárez said. “If anything, the extra weight would’ve been a disadvantage for Omar, not Misael. To me, this decision was a lack of respect—especially to the fans.”
Juárez’s remarks sparked further debate, as many in the boxing community began to question the necessity of such strict weight regulations for non-title fights. “Omar’s weight gain would have affected him more than Misael,” Juárez added, noting that gaining so much weight after the official weigh-in could lead to fatigue and reduced agility in the ring.
Omar Chávez Apologizes to Fans
After the cancellation, a visibly frustrated Omar Chávez took to the ring to address the fans. “I’m in shock. I don’t know what happened,” Chávez told the crowd. “I did everything I was supposed to. I trained for two months, made the weight, and complied with everything the commission asked. I came here to fight for you.”
Chávez expressed disappointment not only with Rodríguez but also with the commission’s role in the cancellation. “I don’t understand why Rodríguez refused to fight. I was ready to go, no matter what.”
Julio César Chávez Calls Out Rodríguez
Omar’s father, Julio César Chávez, was equally vocal in his disappointment. In a video posted on social media, the elder Chávez blasted Rodríguez and his trainer, Robert García, for backing out of the fight. “This is unbelievable,” he said. “Omar made weight. Fighters always rehydrate after a weigh-in; it’s part of the sport. The fact that Rodríguez and his team refused to fight is a disgrace.”
A Divisive Decision
The fallout from this canceled bout has raised serious questions about the enforcement of weight limits and the role of local commissions in high-profile matches. Sulaimán, Juárez, and the Chávez family have made it clear that they believe the decision to cancel was unnecessary and damaging to the sport. As the boxing world continues to debate the issue, it remains to be seen whether changes will be made to prevent similar situations in the future.
