Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. is looking at his son's upcoming battle against Canelo Alvarez as one where pride and dignity is on the line.
In an interview with ESPN Deportes, the elder Chavez said he disagrees with his son's decision to wager his purse against Canelo. Although that stipulation is not made official, Chavez Sr. said money should not play a role in this fight.
"I disagree with [Chavez Jr.]. I spoke with my son Julio and in truth and I don't agree with him," Chavez Sr. said. "We don't want Canelo's money, it doesn't interest us. We are only interested in the prestige and glory. We are interested in the pride, which is the most important thing in this fight."
Chavez Sr., arguably the most highly respected boxer in the history of Mexico, said his son's decision to wager his purse is unethical as an athlete.
"We accepted the fight for my son's dignity," Chavez Sr. said. "For the pride of this fight, which is for all the Mexican people. Logically money is important in a boxer's career. That is why one fights. But it is unnecessary to wage their purses. It is unethical for an athlete. People can take it the wrong way ... money is not the focus of this fight. What matters is pride and the fighter's dignity."
The two Mexicans will fight in Las Vegas on May 6, which falls under Cinco de Mayo weekend, a major Mexican holiday in which high-profile Mexican boxers would often compete during.
