A new round, but this time outside the ring and with potentially more serious consequences, Julio César Chávez Jr., the former world champion and controversial figure in Mexican boxing, was arrested in Los Angeles, California, in what represents his most recent run-in with the law.
The arrest took place days after the Sinaloan boxer fought and lost his match against YouTuber and boxer Jake Paul last Saturday, June 28th at the Honda Center in Anaheim.
What are the charges against Chávez Jr.?
An official statement from US authorities reveals that the Mexican boxer has an active arrest warrant in Mexico for his alleged involvement in organized crime and the trafficking of weapons, ammunition, and explosives.
The arrest was carried out by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which apparently had been tracking him since his entry into the United States for the mentioned fight. Chávez Jr. will be deported to Mexico in the next few hours as it was determined that he was in the United States illegally.
In a social media comment, the Department of Homeland Security of the United States stated that “under President Trump, no one is above the law, not even world-famous athletes. Our message to any group affiliated with cartels in the United States is clear: we will find you and you will face the consequences”.
In addition, a statement detailed that Chávez Jr. had a long criminal record in the United States, which includes:
- An arrest in Los Angeles for illegal possession of an assault weapon and a short-barreled rifle.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and without a driver’s license. He was sentenced to 13 days in prison.
- Arrest warrant for organized crime.
- Fraudulent statements for permanent residence and illegal stay in the United States.
A history of controversies
His history of ups and downs, both in sports and in personal life, has been a constant concern for his father and the fans.
He is the son of Julio César Chávez, a legend of Mexican boxing, who was a world champion in the super featherweight, lightweight, and super lightweight categories.
Chávez Jr., meanwhile, was the World Boxing Council middleweight champion between 2011 and 2012.
The news of his arrest and the possibility of imminent deportation add another chapter to the turbulent life of the former world champion, who, at 39 years old, continues to generate controversy outside the boxing ring.