Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in July, but up until now, has been hard to track down.
Chavez is being processed for expedited removal from the United States. The arrest stems from an active arrest warrant in Mexico related to organized crime and weapons trafficking. Additionally, he faces charges in the U.S. related to illegal possession of an assault weapon and manufacturing a short-barreled rifle.
Yet, Chávez Jr., who was defeated by YouTuber Jake Paul via unanimous decision in their 10-round cruiserweight bout in June, claims he is innocent of all charges and is being framed.
“I’ve spoken to my son, and he’s in shock,” said Julio Chávez Sr., the boxing icon, during an interview with the Mexican press. “He told me, ‘Dad, how can they accuse me of all this?’”
“I’m calm because my son is innocent,” Chávez added. “Everything is going to be resolved. The authorities are doing their job, but my son is not a criminal. He doesn’t traffic weapons. He doesn’t sell drugs. It’s all lies, and it will be proven with facts.”
Chávez Jr.’s career has been heavily impacted by the comparisons to his legendary father, considered one of the greatest Mexican boxers of all time.
The burden of expectations and the shadow of his father’s achievements have been a defining characteristic of Chávez Jr.’s journey in the sport.
Despite his son’s controversies, Chávez Sr. has consistently defended Chávez Jr., proclaiming his innocence regarding recent legal issues and vowing to fight for him. Chávez Sr. has also expressed compassion for his son’s struggles with addiction and has been credited by his son for inspiring his recovery.
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