Legendary boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. is firmly standing by his son in response to serious criminal allegations.
On July 2, the Department of Homeland Security announced that Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. had been apprehended by ICE agents in California. This arrest is reportedly connected to accusations of involvement in organized crime and the trafficking of firearms, ammunition, and explosives originating from Mexico. Chavez Jr. is now undergoing expedited procedures that could lead to his removal from the United States.
During an interview with Fight Hub TV, Chavez Sr. strongly denied these accusations leveled against his son.
“It’s messy with all the gossip, you know?” Chavez Sr. remarked (translated from Spanish by Fight Hub). “People saying different things, talk going around, but listen, we’re staying calm, thank God, because we know my son’s innocent, you get me? Sure, he knows folks mixed up in that stuff. Yes. We live in Culiacan, right? So it’s impossible not to know all those people that are involved in those illicit things.”
He stressed that mere acquaintance with such individuals does not imply guilt.
“But that doesn’t indicate anything. I knew everyone back in my day, too, never got accused of anything. Truth is, we’re confident the law will sort this out. We’ll fight it because my boy might be a lot of things, but he’s no criminal. All these accusations? They’re way off base.”
Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers ever and remains a beloved icon in Mexico. While Chavez Jr.`s own boxing career has seen success, it has also been marred by considerable controversy. Notable incidents include a suspension by the Nevada Athletic Commission for avoiding drug tests and failing to make weight for a planned fight with Daniel Jacobs, which was later rescheduled to December 2019. In that bout, Jacobs secured the victory when Chavez Jr. stopped fighting in his corner after the fifth round, provoking frustrated fans at Phoenix’s Talking Stick Resort Arena to throw debris into the ring.
Despite his reputation for problematic behavior, Chavez Jr. benefits from the complete support of his father, who is confident that the situation will ultimately be resolved favorably.
“The lawyers are working with in the U.S. to see if my son can stay there or we’re prepared if my son comes here,” Chavez Sr. stated. “We’ve got lawyers and everything ready. And we’re going to fight, you know? We’ll fight under Mexican law if they transfer my son here to Mexico.”
Adding to Chavez Sr.`s confusion is the fact that his son has been living and working in the U.S. for several years. Chavez Jr.`s arrest took place just days after his boxing match loss to Jake Paul, leading Chavez Sr. to question the specific timing of ICE`s action.
“They had informed us about—but that was about three years ago, you know?” Chavez Sr. said. “There was never any requirement, never anything. Never, you understand? I mean, it’s strange that it’s happening now, right?”
He further questioned the authorities` actions:
“Why did they let my son fight? Understand? My son’s been in the U.S. for three years, paying taxes, and all. You get it? Now in Mexico, he’s accused of money laundering and what not. How is that possible? You see? When Julio’s been in Mexico, he’s been hospitalized, understand? We have proof? He knows those people, just like I do, that doesn’t make me a drug dealer, right? We respect everyone’s job, don’t we? We trust the law. We know he’s innocent until proven guilty.”
