Julio Cesar Chavez resonates strongly in the hearts of Mexicans and boxing fans worldwide. He is considered one of the best boxers of all time.
With a career full of victories and impressive achievements, Chávez became an idol not only in Mexico, but around the world. Today, in QuéOnnda, we review the best fights of his career that catapulted him to fame.
Of the most remembered
The fight against Meldrick Taylor in 1990 is undoubtedly one of the most memorable in boxing history.
Although Julio Cesar Chavez was losing in the final rounds, he made an incredible comeback and won by technical knockout in round 12.
Thus, he snatched the world junior welterweight title from Taylor. This moment remains one of the most impressive of his career.
The beginning of the legacy
In 1983, Chavez defeated Roger Mayweather in a world lightweight title fight.
Despite being young and relatively inexperienced, Julio Cesar Chavez showed impressive skills, evidencing his promising future as a champion.
This victory was key to the beginning of his legacy.
Boxing icon
At the age of 30, Julio Cesar Chavez faced American Tony Lopez in 1993.
This fight represented a real challenge for Chavez, as he was at an advanced stage of his career.
His cunning and experience led him to victory. This bout cemented his place as a boxing icon.
I have never considered myself the best Mexican boxer in history
Julio César Chávez
The largest
On February 20, 1993, Mexican boxing legend Julio César Chávez faced American challenger Greg Haugen at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Buzzy
This bout was notable not only for Chávez’s dominant performance but also for setting a Guinness World Record for the largest attendance at a boxing match, with 132,274 paid tickets and a total of 136,274 spectators.
Leading up to the fight, Haugen had belittled Chávez’s undefeated record, claiming it was built on victories over “Tijuana taxi drivers that my mom could whip.”
He also doubted the event’s potential attendance, stating, “There aren’t 130,000 Mexicans who can afford tickets.”
These remarks intensified the tension between the fighters and fueled Chávez’s determination.
In the first round, Chávez knocked Haugen down with a straight right hand. Instead of seeking an immediate knockout, Chávez chose to prolong the fight, delivering sustained punishment as retribution for Haugen’s pre-fight comments.
In the fifth round, after another knockdown, the referee stopped the fight, awarding Chávez a technical knockout victory.
This win not only silenced Haugen’s criticisms but also reinforced Chávez’s status as one of boxing’s all-time greats.
