El Chapo link lands boxer, Julio Cesar in big trouble, faces deportation, cartel charges

Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is in hot water after US immigration agents arrested him over alleged links to the Sinaloa drug cartel, once led by notorious kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.

Chavez Jr., son of boxing legend Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., was picked up on Wednesday in Los Angeles by heavily armed ICE agents. Homeland Security says the former WBC champion overstayed a tourist visa and tried to stay in the country by marrying a US citizen, a woman tied to El Chapo’s late son.

That connection, authorities say, blew the case wide open.

The 39-year-old is also wanted in Mexico for organized crime and arms trafficking. A warrant for his arrest was issued in 2023, with allegations that he has been moving firearms, ammunition, and explosives across borders.

US officials say Chavez Jr. is a public safety threat and suspect he has deep ties to the Sinaloa cartel, which Washington now classifies as a terrorist organization.

His arrest came just days after a humiliating defeat to Jake Paul in a sold-out fight in California. Now, the former champion may be fighting for his life  in court.

His lawyer, Michael Goldstein, said more than 25 officers stormed his home in a military-style operation, leaving his family confused and terrified. “The current allegations are outrageous,” he said.

In a statement, the Chavez family expressed shock and pledged full support. “We fully trust in Julio’s innocence,” they said.