Chavez Jr in seventh heaven as he stops Irishman Lee to retain middleweight title

By Sportsmail Reporter

Published: 02:26 EST, 17 June 2012 | Updated: 03:41 EST, 17 June 2012

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. recovered from a slow start due to leg cramps and stopped Andy Lee at 2:21 of the seventh round Saturday night to retain the WBC middleweight title.

A right uppercut by Chavez snapped Lee's head upwards and sideways and Chavez connected on a barrage of punches before referee Laurence Cole intervened and waved an end to the fight.

Sky high: Julio Cesar Chavez Jr is lifted up in celebration by his entourage after he beat Andy Lee

Sky high: Julio Cesar Chavez Jr is lifted up in celebration by his entourage after he beat Andy Lee

With the victory, Chavez (46-0-1, 32 KOs) put himself in position for a title-unification fight with recognized world middleweight champion Sergio Martinez.

Chavez began tentatively, not even throwing his first punch until 75 seconds had elapsed in the first round, and was initially outboxed by Lee (28-2), a much taller challenger than Chavez had previously faced.

Getting close: Chavez Jr throws a right at Lee during their WBC middleweight title bout

Getting close: Chavez Jr throws a right at Lee during their WBC middleweight title bout

Butt out: Chavez Jr reacts after Lee head-butted him

Butt out: Chavez Jr reacts after Lee head-butted him

But as the next two rounds passed, the Mexican champion began to stalk Lee, blasting him with right-cross counter punches.


 

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