Junior boxer Julio Cesar Chavez expelled to Mexico due to suspected links with cartels and drug smuggling allegations
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., the son of legendary Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez, has been deported to Mexico and is now facing trial for alleged ties to the Sinaloa cartel.
The investigation into Chavez began in 2019 following a complaint from U.S. authorities about the cartel's activities. Chavez was arrested by U.S. federal agents on July 2, 2025, near his Los Angeles home for overstaying his visa and providing false information on a green card application. He was deported to Mexico on August 19, 2025, where he was arrested on a warrant related to cartel involvement and jailed in Sonora state.
A Mexican judge has ruled that Chavez will stand trial but allowed him to await the trial outside of detention with restrictions including not leaving Mexico. The court also ordered an additional three months for further investigation. If convicted, Chavez could face 4 to 8 years in prison. His lawyer has denied the allegations, calling them "speculation" and "urban legends."
Chavez's career in the ring has been marred by controversy. He has battled drug addiction throughout his boxing career, resulting in failed drug tests, suspensions, and weight issues that earned him criticism. He shared the ring with generational greats Canelo Alvarez and Sergio Martinez, losing to both. In 2011, he won the WBC middleweight title and defended it three times.
In January 2024, Chavez was arrested on gun charges and possessed two AR-style ghost rifles. He was later released on a $50,000 bond and required to attend a residential drug treatment facility.
Chavez is linked through marriage connections allegedly connected to the Sinaloa cartel, including association with the late son of cartel leader Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman. This case is part of a broader cartel crackdown involving 13 other individuals, including Ovidio Guzman Lopez, son of "El Chapo," who was arrested in 2023 and extradited to the U.S.
Since his deportation, Chavez has not spoken publicly. His father, the legendary boxer Julio Cesar Chavez, has defended him following his arrest.
References:
[1] Associated Press. (2025, August 20). Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. deported to Mexico. [online] Available at: https://www.apnews.com/article/mexico-sports-julio-cesar-chavez-jr-boxing-deportation-3e74f37d3082407015f5817528d29f38
[2] Reuters. (2025, August 20). Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. arrested in Mexico on cartel-related charges. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/julio-cesar-chavez-jr-arrested-mexico-cartel-related-charges-2025-08-20/
[3] ESPN. (2025, August 20). Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. arrested, deported to Mexico on cartel-related charges. [online] Available at: https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/34571381/julio-cesar-chavez-jr-arrested-deported-mexico-cartel-related-charges
[4] BBC. (2025, August 20). Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. arrested in Mexico on cartel-related charges. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/58353337
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