Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. returns to ring Sept. 7 at Staples Center

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. will return from his first career loss -- and a subsequent marijuana suspension -- when he fights Brian Vera on Sept. 7 at Staples Center, Chavez’s Mexico-based promoter said Thursday.

Fernando Beltran said the deal is done for the former world middleweight champion and son of the legendary Mexican fighter.

There remains speculation, however, that Chavez Jr. (46-1-1, 32 knockouts) will be trained by someone other than Hollywood’s Freddie Roach, who pushed the fighter to a world title before his Sept. 15 loss by decision to Sergio Martinez.

Roach was not immediately available for comment on the matter, but several people close to Chavez Jr. and Roach said Chavez Jr. may be unable to train in the U.S. due to some visa restrictions.

The pair had a prickly relationship at the last camp, as Chavez Jr. frequently failed to show up for planned sessions at a Las Vegas gym and had Roach work with him at the home he was residing in during training camp.

After a near victorious rally in the 12th round at Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Chavez Jr. tested positive for marijuana and was suspended nine months and fined by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

Vera, 31, is 23-6 with 14 KOs and is on a four-fight winning streak, with triumphs over Southland fighter Sergio Mora and Andy Lee on his resume.

ALSO:

Miami Heat fans, any fans, have the right to leave early

David Stern explains league’s issues with Clippers-Celtics proposal

Burglars blitz Oklahoma Coach Bob Stoops’ home; car taken and more