Mexican boxer Julio César Chávez Jr. was released from prison over the weekend after a hearing in which the judge overseeing his case ruled he could await trial outside of custody.
According to his attorney, Rubén Benítez Álvarez, Chávez, the son of legendary champion Julio César Chávez, is facing charges of organized crime for allegedly taking part, without leadership, administration, or direction, in the clandestine trafficking of firearms into Mexico.
The case stems from a 2019 investigation by Mexico's Attorney General's Office that also targeted Ovidio "El Ratón" Guzmán López, son of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, along with other members of the Sinaloa cartel.
In 2023, prosecutors issued arrest warrants for roughly 13 individuals, including Guzmán López and Chávez Jr. The boxer relocated to the United States in August of that year.
The trial of Julio César Chávez Jr. in Mexico
Chávez Jr.'s legal troubles didn't begin with this trial. In addition to his drug problems, he was convicted of drunk driving in Los Angeles in 2012 and sentenced to 13 days in jail. Early last year, he was arrested for carrying a weapons charge and was released shortly after posting $50,000 bail.
On July 3, he was arrested by ICE, one day after being defeated in the ring by Jake Paul. He remained in a detention center in Texas for six weeks, and on August 18, he was deported to Mexico, where he was held in a prison known as CEFERESO 11, in Hermosillo, Sonora, for five days.
@DHSgov deported Julio César Chávez Jr. to Mexican authorities to face charges under his country’s justice system. This action reflects the strong cooperation between our governments, showing that collaboration delivers results and advances the security of both nations. pic.twitter.com/25GuBv0axz
— Embajador Ronald Johnson (@USAmbMex) August 19, 2025
The freedom of Julio César Chávez Jr.
On Saturday, August 23, Judge Enrique Hernandez Miranda ruled that the boxer could continue his trial at liberty, under orders described as "strict" by his lawyer. So far, the only known restriction is the restriction on his departure from Mexico, although travel would be considered "for specific reasons."
It was also reported that Chávez Jr. was greeted by his mother, Amalia Carrasco, the boxer's first wife, and an aunt whose name was not released.
According to his lawyer, the boxer is authorized to establish residence anywhere in Mexico.
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