Julio Cesar Chavez Sr.: The Greatest Mexican Boxer

Julio Cesar Chavez Sr.: The Greatest Mexican Boxer

Erick Inzunza, Reporter

Standing only at 5 feet and 7 inches, Julio Cesar Chavez Gonzalez, is arguably the greatest Mexican boxer ever. He ended his professional record with 107 wins (86 by knockout), 6 losses and 2 draws. Chavez became a six time world champion in three different weight classes and he held the title of pound for pound boxer for several years in a row. He held one of the longest win streaks, going 90 fights without being defeated.

“Yeah, you can hit hard,” says Chavez in a TVKO interview, “but you don’t have the power to knock me out.”

Julio Cesar Chavez Gonzalez, born on July 12, 1962, is one of five brothers and five sisters. Chavez’s father was a railroad man, which is why their home was an abandoned railroad car. Chavez’s mother ironed and washed people’s clothes for money.

“I remember,” says Chavez in a TVKO interview, “I told my mom that one day I’ll get her the house of her dreams and she’ll never have to wash clothes ever again.”

Chavez was born in Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico. Chavez received little education because he began working at age 9, selling newspapers on the streets of his city. Chavez then started to paint houses and iron clothes for money, which his alcoholic father usually got a hold of. Soon enough, he began fist fighting for money. He then took after his two older brothers Rafael Jr. and Ramon, who trained at a local boxing gym.

At age 16, Chavez pursued his amateur career and a year later, he turned professional, knocking out Andres Felix (0-0-0) in the last second of the first round. The referee ruled it a disqualification in Felix’s favor, since it looked as if Chavez hit him after the bell. However, Chavez’s manager, Ramon Felix, addressed the Mexican boxing commission, who later ruled it a knockout win, in favor of Chavez. This, is where Chavez’s reign begins. Chavez went 43 wins, with 35 knockouts, the other 8 fighters refused to come out of their corner during the fight. Chavez faced off against Mario Martinez (33-1-2), for the vacant WBC world super featherweight championship. Chavez stopped Martinez in the 3rd round. Chavez defended his belt against Ruben Castillo (63-4-2), stopping him in the 2nd round.

Roger Mayweather (21-2-0), Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s grandfather, nicknamed “The Mexican Killer”, was up and coming in the featherweight division. He faced off against Chavez on July 7th, 1985. Mayweather’s nickname came from the fact he knocked out every single Mexican opponent he fought. Ironically, Chavez knocked him out in the 2nd round, retaining his championship. Chavez went on to defend his title 7 more times, until he won a second world championship against Edwin Rosario (31-2-0). Chavez defended his new WBA world lightweight championship against Rodolfo Aguilar (20-0-1) on April 16, 1988. He then faced off against Jose Luis Ramirez (101-6-0), defending his WBA world lightweight belt and taking Ramirez’s WBC world lightweight belt after knocking him out. Roger Mayweather (34-5-0) fought Chavez again, seeking revenge. Instead, Chavez took Mayweather’s WBC super lightweight title, after Mayweather refused to get out of his corner in the 10th round. One year later, Chavez knocked out Meldrick Taylor (24-0-1), in the 12th round with 2 seconds left, to win Taylor’s IBF world super lightweight title.

Chavez’s next challenge was against Hector “Macho” Camacho (40-1-0). Chavez dominated the bout, winning by unanimous decision. Chavez received his first draw against Pernell Whitaker (32-1-0), in 1993. His first loss came at the hands of Frankie Randall (48-2-1) a year later, losing his WBC World lightweight title. Chavez seeked revenge 4 months later, winning his WBC World lightweight title back. He knocked out Meldrick Taylor (32-3-1) 4 months later, defending his lightweight title. Chavez received a loss at the hands of Oscar De La Hoya (21-0-0), losing his WBC World lightweight title. He tied with Miguel Angel Gonzalez (42-1-0) in 1998 for the vacant WBC world lightweight title, which De La Hoya dropped, since he moved up in weight. Chavez seeked revenge against De La Hoya, challenging him for his WBC world welterweight title in late 1998, losing again. Chavez lossed three more times, eventually retiring with 107 wins, 6 losses and 2 draws. Ironically, his last loss against Grover Wiley (29-6-1), was avenged 2 years later by his son Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

Chavez struggled with cocaine addiction and developed a drinking habit after his first career loss. After his retirement, his son Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., claimed it gradually got worse. Chavez Sr. began to physically abuse his children. Soon enough, he was tricked into rehab by his wife and Chavez Jr., both who believed he would die if he didn’t receive any help.

Chavez, six time world champion, still trains and stays sober, staying at 140 pounds. He is an analyst for ESPN and Box Azteca, and he trains his sons Omar and Chavez Jr. Chavez reigned the featherweight, lightweight and welterweight division in his prime. He is arguably one of the best Mexican boxers of all time and his record proves it.

“I just wanted to give my mom the house of her dreams,” ends Chavez’s interview with TVKO.