A champion boxer from Mexico has been apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for allegedly breaching the conditions of his visa and associating with a notorious cartel, as announced by authorities.
The arrest of Julio César Chávez Jr., 39, has sent shockwaves through the boxing community, where he held the World Boxing Council’s middleweight title from 2011 to 2012. Despite his age and a mixed record since then, the Mexican fighter remains a significant draw, having recently earned $1.5 million for a bout against Jake Paul.
U.S. officials assert that Chávez Jr. entered the country unlawfully and will be deported back to Mexico, where he is anticipated to face charges related to organized crime.
This arrest occurred merely four days after Chávez Jr. suffered a defeat in his match against Paul in Anaheim, California.
ICE and U.S. Department of Homeland Security agents reportedly surrounded Chávez Jr. while he was riding his electric scooter in front of his Studio City residence, according to the boxer’s attorney, Michael Goldstein.
“The current allegations are outrageous and merely another headline intended to instill fear in the community,” Goldstein stated.
Goldstein mentioned that he is unaware of Chávez’s current location. The two were preparing to meet for a court appearance in a separate case concerning a firearms violation, where Chávez was also expected to provide an update on his involvement in a substance abuse program.
He is accused of overstaying a traveler’s visa that expired in February 2024 after entering the country in August 2023.
Despite being labeled an “egregious public safety threat,” an ICE spokesperson attributed responsibility to the Biden administration for permitting Chávez’s re-entry into the country on January 4.
Officials have indicated that Chávez is sought by Mexican authorities, who allege he is an operative of the Sinaloa cartel, where he has purportedly assisted in the trafficking of firearms, ammunition, and explosives, as reported by the AP.
The Attorney General’s Office of Mexico has yet to provide a response regarding a request for comment on the status of the charges against Chávez there.
According to the Trump administration, Chávez submitted an application for a green card on April 2, 2024, based on his marriage to Frida Muñoz, a U.S. citizen who was previously in a romantic relationship with Édgar Guzmán López, the son of the infamous Sinaloa drug lord, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.
Authorities have alleged that Chávez made several false statements in his application, which led to his arrest.
Born as Julio César Chávez Carrasco, the 39-year-old athlete is the offspring of the former three-division world boxing champion, Julio César Chávez, who is regarded as a local legend in Mexico. He maintained an impeccable record of 46 wins and no losses until he suffered his first defeat in 2012 at the age of 26.
Since that time, Chávez has faced challenges in the boxing ring, often disqualifying himself due to failed drug tests, serving suspensions, or failing to make weight prior to several prominent matches. Over the years, sports commentators have expressed skepticism regarding his commitment to the sport of boxing.
Prior to his loss to Paul, Chávez was attempting a sort of redemption. He participated in numerous interviews, asserting that he was clean and showcasing his fittest physique in years.
Paul’s victory marked his 12th win, a unanimous decision that secured him the No. 14 ranking from the World Boxing Association and places him on a trajectory toward a cruiserweight title.
Following the revelation that his recent opponent had been arrested and was undergoing deportation proceedings, Paul shared an American flag emoji on social media, which sparked speculation regarding his sentiments about the ICE raid.