This non-title bout was in preparation for Chavez’s June defense of his WBC Junior Welterweight title against Oscar De la Hoya, who was also on the card. That was to be his one hundreth bout.

ALSO ON THE CARD – George Scott knocked out Shane Gannon in one in defense of his WBU lightweight title. Light welterweight Oscar De La Hoya knocked out Darryl Tyson in two. Heavyweight Jeremy Williams scored a first round TKO win over Samson Cohen. Lightweight Anthony Ridges won a fourth round TKO over Tito Tovar.

THE OPPONENT – Scott Walker (21-3-1, 12 KOs) of Tempe, AZ, began his pro boxing career in 1989. Before the Chavez fight, he had only three losses on his record, all by points decisions. In 1995, Walker won a ten-round decision over Alexis Arguello (who was trying to make a comeback) and later that year won a couple of local titles. He would retire from boxing in 2001 with a record of 25-7-1 (13). Walker, a member of the Arizona Boxing Hall of Fame, died early in 2004 at the age of 34.

ROUND ONE – Walker moved left and right around the ring, throwing the occasional jab, while Chavez followed him patiently. A little after a minute into the round, Walker was against the ropes but held when Chavez came in. Just a few seconds later, the crowd began to chant “Chavez! Chavez!” trying to inspire him to action but Walker then used his opponent’s increased aggressiveness as an opportunity to get in a few punches of his own while staying in motion. Chavez landed 10 of 14 punches thrown this round; Walker landed 13 out of 36.

CORNER – In Chavez’s corner were trainer Jose “Buffalo” Martin and assistants Rodolfo Chavez and Jose Daniel Castro. In Walker’s corner were trainer Chuck McGregor, Cutman Dominic DiGuisippe and assistant Mack Walker.

ROUND TWO – Ch&aacue;vez started the round quicker, going straight for Walker, who clinched as soon as he got close. Throughout the round Chavez was landing more and more punches on his opponent. A hurt Walker tried holding his opponent almost continually throughout the round, but the more aggressive Chavez would have none of it. He landed hooks in the clinches and then continued in pursuit whenever they were broken. Walker was still throwing a few weak punches, just to show that he was still in the game. However, near the end of the round he was pressed against the ropes while Chavez swung at him. Most of the punches didn’t land, but the weakened Walker didn’t show it. An uppercut to the head finally forced him to drop to a knee. Referee Joe Cortez immediately stopped the one-sided fight at 2:45 into the round. HBO PunchStat showed Chavez as landing 41 of 65 punches thrown this round, and Walker only 6 of 24.

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Venue: Caesars Palace
Scheduled: 10 Rounds
Referee: Joe Cortez
Broadcast: HBO
Ring Announcer: Michael Buffer
Commentator: Jim Lampley
Commentator: Larry Merchant
Commentator: George Foreman
Interpreter: Hector Garcia