Julio Cesar Chavez His name still resonates in the streets of Culiacan, Mexico, thanks to his legendary boxing career. Following in his father's footsteps, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Chavez Jr. was a boxing champion in his own right, but his incarceration earlier this year tarnished the family tradition. But the legendary boxer's son overcame those tough times and is ready to step into the ring this Saturday.
Though Chavez Jr. has returned home, his imprisonment and the tumultuous events that preceded it cast a dark cloud over the Chavez family. What were the specific circumstances that led to Chavez Jr.'s imprisonment and subsequent release? Let's find out.
What did Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. do?
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Los Angeles Police received a call on a Sunday in early January this year reporting that Chavez Jr. was in possession of a firearm. The anonymous person said the boxer might hurt himself or others. When LAPD arrived at his Sherman Oaks home, the boxer let police in and discovered a ghost rifle. A “ghost gun” is a firearm that is not registered and therefore untraceable, making it illegal to possess. After discovering two such weapons, authorities took him into custody and booked him into Valley Jail in Van Nuys.
The former boxing champion was released on $50,000 bail after serving four days in jail. After his release, he smiled and spoke to the media in Spanish: “I'm fully prepared for what's to come.” Chavez Jr. pleaded not guilty to a felony firearm possession charge but was ordered to attend an inpatient treatment program.
Chavez Jr. is said to have no prior criminal convictions for possession of firearms. However, he was detained for drunk driving in 2012. His license has been suspended multiple times for possession of prohibited substances. Nevertheless, in 2022, Chavez Jr.'s wife, Frida, reported her husband to authorities for possible drunk driving. “You may need to see a doctor regarding the dosage of pills.” Following the incident, the boxer's father also released a statement online, asking fans for support during this turbulent time.
Julio Cesar Chavez's comments on the arrest of his son
Shortly after his son was incarcerated, Chavez set aside his pride and armor of dominance to send a message of support to his staunch supporters. Genuinely concerned about his son's health, the Mexican boxing great wrote: “Thank you for your concern for my son Julio. Unfortunately, I have confirmed the news that spread today: my son Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. has been arrested and we are working with his lawyers to resolve the legal situation. It has been a long road, but I have not lost faith. I pray to God that this is finally the moment that will lead my son to a meaningful and happy life.”
Julio Cesar Chavez also called on his supporters to understand the situation, saying that for legal reasons he could not provide much information and that the matter was being resolved by his lawyers.
It has even been suggested that Chavez Jr. and Frida's divorce was the result of his repeated run-ins with the law, with the legendary boxer's son even claiming that if anything happens to him, it's his father and his ex-wife's fault. “They make me look crazy, she wins the case, takes the money, and makes me look crazy.” “I'm not going to let him off the hook,” he said, insisting that he would return to the boxing ring despite all his legal troubles.
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What is Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. up to now?
Chavez Jr. was last seen in the ring in December 2021. David ZegaraHowever, recent lackluster performances have caused the once celebrated champion to lose some of his former glory, but the former WBC middleweight champion has a chance to retire from boxing with an inspiring performance and he is going to make it happen.
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The Mexican boxer will face off against a former MMA fighter and professional boxer. Julia HallIt will be held as an opening act for Jake Paul versus Mike Perry Main event. The bout is scheduled to take place on July 20 at the Amalie Arena in Tampa. Do you think Chavez Jr. will be able to impress boxing fans in his next bout? Or will he retire from the sport for good? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
