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Julio Cesar Chavez Jr will make his return to the ring on September 7 against Brian Vera, when he ends a year-long layoff that included a nine-month suspension, but the 27-year-old Mexican star will do so without the services of trainer Freddie Roach, according to a report from Salvador Rodriguez.
Chavez (46-1-1, 32 KO) and Roach had a very poor training camp last time out, when Chavez was flat for 11 rounds before nearly stealing a win against Sergio Martinez in Las Vegas, Chavez's first HBO pay-per-view main event. Roach stated that Chavez badly slacked off in training, and part of that could be seen on the HBO 24/7 series before the fight. He then failed his post-fight drug test, which was positive for marijuana.
To replace Roach for this fight, Chavez will go with Vladimir Baldenebro as his head trainer. Alex Ariza will remain as part of the team as strength and conditioning coach.