All the participants for Saturday's Showtime pay per view card were at the Wilshire Grand Hotel on Wednesday for the last press conference for Saturday's "Adios" card. In the main event, Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. will step into the ring for one last time when he meets former contender Ivan Robinson. Chavez seemed excited about the chance, and excited to be fighting on the same card as his son.

    Chavez Sr. stepped up to the microphone and stated that he's ready for the fight, and that he thinks Robinson is a solid fighter. He then spoke to his naysayers that think this is a token appearance to end his career when he said, "You will see not a Julio Cesar Chavez that is over the hill or too slow, instead Bob Arum will be wanting me to take a world title fight after Saturday." He then spoke to his adoring public, who will fill the Staples Center on Saturday to see his farewell, "I want to make a good fight for everybody, the Hispanics especially. This fight is for all Mexicans, it will be a Mexican Saturday night."

    Chavez's opponent Ivan Robinson then stepped to the microphone. Robinson is a former title contender, who has two victories over Arturo Gatti, and holds a draw with Vivian Harris. He is a tough guy from Philadelphia, who knows this is his last big shot. Robinson came to the mic and acknowledged that he would be fighting in hostile waters, "I feel like one of the old gladiators who fought the lions." He then went on to say that he was proud and happy to here, and that Chavez is a legend that he's proud to fight. He then stated, "Yes, I'm honored and proud, but not scared, it will be a hell of a fight on Saturday." He then looked at Chavez and stated, "I'll see ya Saturday."

    The two other big fights on the card will be an IBF Bantamweight title fight between Rafael Marquez and Ricardo Vargas. Vargas is a very tough veteran, who has been on a roll of late, including two wins over big time prospect Jhonny Gonzalez. He finally gets his big shot and seems excited about it, "It will be no picnic for him. Some opportunities come early, and some come late, but you got to take advantage when you get them, and that's what I'm going to do on
Saturday." The champ was very soft spoken, basically saying that he has trained very hard and is ready. Marquez, the younger brother of Juan Manuel, is 33-3 with 30 KOs, and is one of the most exciting fighters in the lower weight classes.

    The other very intriguing fight on the "Adios" card is a WBC super featherweight eliminator between Carlos Hernandez and Jesus Chavez. Both fighters have reputations as tough fighters, and fighters who are very active, which should make for an exciting 12 rounds. Chavez is coming off a 15 month layoff, since injuring his shoulder in his last fight with Erik Morales, and is wanting a win to get a shot at Barrera or Morales. Chavez is 40-3, and like Hernandez has suffered losses to Morales and Floyd Mayweather. Chavez was soft spoken saying, "this is a tough fight, but not impossible. I want to give the Mexican fans a great fight and win".

    Hernandez, one of the most exciting 130 pounders in the world was also soft spoken and respectful. He held his native El Salvador in his heart as he spoke, "El Salvador was expecting a bad hurricane over this past week, and fortunately it got downgraded to a tropical storm. El Salvador has conquered many trials and tribulations of late, and on Saturday El Salvador will again."

    Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. will be on the card also. He will take on Adam Wynant of Indianapolis, who is 9-3-1. Chavez is 18-0, and has earned great praise from his promoter Bob Arum. Arum stated that George Foreman watched Chavez while Chavez was on his southwest tour with his father, and one of the stops was Foreman's gym in Houston. Arum stated that Foreman watched Chavez and truly felt he was the real deal. Junior will take on Wynant in a 8 round bout.

    Also on the card will be flyweight sensation Brian Viloria. Viloria will take on a opponent yet to be determined. If Viloria wins he will get a world title shot on the million dollar lady undercard against Eric Ortiz. Former 2004 U.S. Olympian Vanes Martirosyan of Glendale, California will be entering the ring for the second time in his career when he takes on Giovanni Rubio of Santa Rosa. Rubio is 6-5, while Vanes is 1-0. Martirosyan was the roommate of Andre Ward in Athens.
Also on the card will be one of Top Rank's biggest prospects, middleweight Jesus Gonzalez. Gonzalez is currently 16-0 with 11 KOs, and will take on tough veteran Dewey Welliver, who is 16-15-1. Gonzalez of Phoenix will look to make a splash on this big PPV.

    The card will take place on Saturday May 28th from the Staples Center in Los Angeles. It can be seen on Showtime Pay Per view for $29.99. It will be the swan song for one of the legends of Boxing, Julio Cesar Chavez. The card is being promoted by Top Rank, and Sycuan Promotions.

5-25-2005