Julio César Chávez Says Son Was Pressured Once to Act as Sinaloa Cartel Enforcer

As Mexican boxer Julio César Chávez Jr. remains under investigation for drug-trafficking related charges allegedly linking him to the Sinaloa Cartel, his father, former world champion Julio César Chávez, has continuously made public appearances denying any claims that his son is involved in drug trafficking or organized crime.

In a recent interview, Chávez Sr. said his son was pressured to hit a man at the request of individuals allegedly linked to the Sinaloa Cartel, reportedly from the faction led by the sons of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, known as Los Chapitos.

According to Chávez Sr., his son was told to strike a man accused of theft after being warned that refusal could cost him his life. Chávez Sr. said his son was called in and had no choice but to go, explaining that Chávez Jr. would rather stay on good terms with the alleged hit men than risk being killed.

"They called him in, and if you do not go, they take you. They do not ask. I would rather be their friend than be killed," Chávez Sr. said.

Chávez Sr. added that the alleged cartel members instructed Chávez Jr. to hit the man in exchange for sparing his life. He said his son delivered a punch that caused no injury.

"My son did not want to, but he said, 'Okay, I will hit him once, but forgive him.' He gave the person a light tap, and because of that they let him go," he said.

Chávez Sr. insisted the incident happened under pressure and should not be interpreted as evidence of any criminal ties between his son and the Sinaloa Cartel.

"Being a friend does not mean you are involved in the same business. Everything is handled differently. On the contrary, my son saved their lives with that blow," he said.

On the ongoing legal case against his son, Chávez Sr. said the evidence appears weak. "They are two pages that mention him. There is nothing more," he said.

According to Infobae México, Mexico's Attorney General's Office alleges that Chávez Jr. was used by the Sinaloa Cartel as an enforcer.

The outlet reported that court documents and official files indicate Chávez Jr. took part in beatings ordered by cartel leaders, allegedly under the direction of Néstor Isidro Pérez Salas, known as "El Nini," who was then head of security for Los Chapitos.

Authorities cited wiretaps and witness statements in which alleged cartel members said Chávez Jr. was called when someone needed to be punished. One audio clip reportedly describes "El Nini" ordering a subordinate to be "hung" and calling Chávez Jr. to beat him. Prosecutors said the message was that "if they can take that guy's blows he will let them go, and if not, they will die."

The prosecutor's office says such collaborations show operational closeness and a supposed role in carrying out punishments, which support part of the case against him. Investigators also point to items signed by Chávez Jr. found in properties of alleged cartel members, social media posts, and witness statements linking him socially to cartel leaders.

In recent months, Chávez Sr. has appeared at several public events to defend his son, saying he would turn him in if the allegations were true. "If my son were a drug trafficker, I would put him in jail forever myself. That I guarantee you," Chávez Sr. said at a World Boxing Council news conference last month.