Chavez Retains Wbc Title

Julio Cesar Chavez, showing the poise and patience of a champion in his 98th fight, wore down David Kamau in the late rounds to win a unanimous 12-round decision and escape with his WBC super lightweight title.

Chavez overcame a first-round head butt that opened a gash over his left eye and the relentless pressure of Kamau to retain his 140-pound title in a decision that delighted a highly partisan crowd at the Mirage hotel-casino.

It was the 96th win in 98 professional fights for Chavez, who also upped his mark in title fights to 31-1-1.

Chavez, who earned $1 million for the fight, stayed in line for his planned final two fights, the last one on May 5 against Oscar De La Hoya in what figures to be one of boxing’s richest fights ever.