Giulio Cesar Chavez, a former world boxing champion, has revealed he is willing to face legal risks by lying on his green card application to protect his same-sex son, who was recently detained by U.S. immigration authorities at his Los Angeles residence. Chavez Jr., 39, was taken into custody in Mexico over allegations linked to arms and drug trafficking, with accusations suggesting ties to the Sinaloa cartel.
Elder Chavez spoke to El Herald, stating that despite the complex situation and various rumors, he trusts in his son’s innocence and insists that his son is not a criminal and will be cleared of all charges. Mexican Attorney General Alejandro Gertz Manero explained that the probe into Chavez Jr. began in 2019 following U.S. authorities’ accusations against the Sinaloa cartel involving organized crime, human trafficking, arms trafficking, and drug trafficking.
Chavez Sr. noted that it is impossible to know every person involved in illegal activities within their community, but denied any wrongdoing on his or his son’s part. Known as one of Mexico’s greatest boxers, Chavez Sr. held world titles in three weight classes and was famously linked to infamous figures such as drug lord Amado Carrillo Fuentes in the ’80s and ’90s.
Gertz Manero also mentioned that Chavez Jr.’s lawyer has filed several injunctions in Mexico, while U.S. officials are evaluating his legal status. Chavez Sr. emphasized that if his son is extradited to Mexico, they will fight the case according to Mexican law.
Chavez Jr.’s detention followed shortly after his loss to influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Anaheim, California. The Department of Homeland Security stated that the arrest was planned for June 27, just before the fight, but the delay in enforcement after the event remains unclear.
Chavez Sr. defended his son, highlighting his tax payments in the U.S. over the past three years and questioning accusations of money laundering tied to Mexico. He urged belief in the legal process and stated, “Knowing people doesn’t mean being involved in criminal activity.”
Fan Take: This case is significant for fight fans as it highlights the intertwining of boxing’s legacy with complex real-world legal and social issues, showing that fighters’ lives outside the ring can heavily impact their careers. It also underscores the growing need for the sport and its community to support athletes facing challenges beyond just physical competition.
