Renowned Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. was arrested for overstaying his visa and providing false information on a green card application, and he is set to be deported to Mexico amid suspicions of involvement in organized crime, according to the U.S. federal government. The arrest followed shortly after Chavez lost a fight against influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Anaheim, California. Authorities had decided to detain Chavez on June 27, the day before the fight, but waited several days to act, sparking questions about the timing.
Chavez, 39, was taken into custody by numerous federal agents in Studio City, Los Angeles. The allegations shocked the community, with some noting that immigrant arrests have been rising in Southern California, leading to protests. Chavez had recently met a court deadline linked to a previous gun possession case, and his family released a statement expressing confidence in his innocence and urging authorities to conduct their work without external pressure.
Chavez’s boxing career, overshadowed by his legendary father, has been marked by struggles with drug addiction and multiple arrests, including a recent firearm charge involving two AR-style ghost rifles. He has split his time between Mexico and the U.S., with Homeland Security noting his tourist visa had expired in February 2024. Additionally, Chavez allegedly submitted fraudulent documents when applying for permanent residency through marriage to Frida Munoz, who is related to the imprisoned Sinaloa Cartel leader Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.
The U.S. authorities suspect Chavez has ties to the Sinaloa Cartel, a major force in Mexico’s drug violence. Chavez was flagged by immigration officials as a public safety threat after returning to the U.S. without a visa in January 2024. Mexico’s Attorney General issued a warrant for Chavez in March 2023 over organized crime and arms trafficking charges and has initiated extradition proceedings.
Public reaction in Mexico has been mixed, with some viewing the arrest as a political move, while others saw it as expected due to Chavez’s troubled past. Despite criticisms of his inconsistent commitment to boxing, Chavez reached notable heights, winning the WBC middleweight title in 2011 and competing against top fighters like Canelo Alvarez and Sergio Martinez. Before fighting Paul, Chavez expressed concerns about community violence and his fears of deportation.
Fan Take: This news hits hard for fight fans because Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is a prominent figure in boxing history whose complex personal life has always been part of his story. His legal troubles and potential deportation could mark the end of an era and serve as a stark reminder of how fighters’ lives outside the ring profoundly impact the sport’s future.
