“A great warrior. We will keep a close eye on him,” Valcarcel said on X.
Chaves already holds the WBO Latino lightweight title and entered the bout rated #3 by the sanctioning body. Public praise after such a performance only helps his standing.
Promoter Eddie Hearn was equally enthusiastic afterward, saying the performance confirmed what he had heard about Chaves.
“I thought he was sensational, unbelievable. A lot of people have told me a lot about him,” Hearn told the media about Chaves. “He’s never fought outside of Argentina, so you never really know if the hype is real. What we saw tonight was a big puncher, but also a smart fighter. He’s someone with a good IQ. Yes, speed and a brain. He lined up the shot perfectly.”
Madueno went round with recognized opposition and was seen as a solid test for a fighter making his American debut. Instead, Chaves ended things early with one clean left hand that changed the tone of the night.
“He’s a very durable guy, and Chaves destroyed him. I think he’s going to be a big, big star,” Hearn said.
Being ranked No. 2 by the WBO could be more valuable to Chaves than any public outcry. If Shakur Stevenson makes the full move to 140, the WBO lightweight title picture could quickly open up and put Chaves in a strong lane.
He doesn’t need names like Stevenson or Gervonta Davis to agree to a fight if he keeps winning and protects his ranking. Sanctioning bodies frequently move contenders into eliminations or vacant title fights when champions leave divisions or go in other directions.
The lightweight division is crowded, but Chaves may not have to chase anyone. If he stays active, the title route could come his way.
