Behind The Man

Julio César Chávez

The Great Mexican Champion

Julio César Chávez is considered the greatest fighter ever to come out of Mexico.

Julio César Chávez was born on July 12, 1962, in Ciudad Obregon, MX. He grew up in an abandoned railroad car with his five sisters and four brothers. He began boxing as an amateur at the age of 16 and eventually moved to Culiacán to pursue a professional career.

Julio was renowned specifically for his devastating left hook and his ability to take a punch due to his extremely strong chin. He is a six-time world champion in three weight divisions, and for several years he was considered the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world.

Julio retired in his 25th year as a professional boxer with a record of 107 wins, 6 losses and 2 draws, with 89 knockouts and a reputation as one of the best boxers of all time.

On December 7, 2010, Julio César Chávez was inducted to the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Julio is the father of prospect Omar Chávez and former WBC Middleweight Champion Julio César Chávez, Jr.

He holds records for...

  • Most successful consecutive defenses of world titles (27)
  • Most title fights (37)
  • Most title-fight victories (31)
  • Tied with Joe Louis for most title defenses won by knockout (21)
  • Longest undefeated streak in boxing history, 13 years. His record was 89-0-1.

In a career that spanned over 25 years, Julio won six world titles in three weight divisions:

  • WBC Super Featherweight in 1984
  • WBA Lightweight in 1987
  • WBC Lightweight in 1988
  • WBC Light Welterweight in 1989
  • IBF Light Welterweight in 1990
  • WBC Light Welterweight in 1994