Former rival of Anderson Silva and Jake Paul is deported from the US and arrested in Mexico on suspicion of involvement with a cartel.

J. Cesar Chavez Jr. faced Anderson Silva e Jake Paul in boxing. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Former world boxing champion Julio César Chávez Jr. was deported from the United States to Mexico and is being held in a federal penitentiary in the state of Sonora, near Hermosillo. The deportation was confirmed on Wednesday (20) by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Chávez Jr. is the target of an arrest warrant issued in 2023, on charges of involvement in organized crime, trafficking in arms, ammunition, explosives, and drugs, and acting as a henchman for the Fighters de Sinaloa. The investigation against him began in 2019, according to Mexico's attorney general.

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The boxer was arrested by ICE (US Immigration Service) between July 2 and 3, 2025, shortly after being defeated in a fight against the influencer Jake Paul, held in California.

According to the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the reasons for the detention include an expired tourist visa from February 2024, fraud in a green card application in April 2024, based on marriage to a US citizen allegedly linked to the cartel, and an active arrest warrant in Mexico, already registered by US authorities.

Criminal history and controversies of Julio César Chávez Jr.

Julio César Chávez Jr. has a history of legal troubles throughout his career. In 2012, he was sentenced to 13 days in jail for drunk driving. The following year, he tested positive for marijuana use, resulting in suspension and a fine.

More recently, in January 2024, he was arrested in Los Angeles for illegal possession of two rifles, being released on bail of US$50, with the requirement that he adhere to a rehabilitation program.

Fighter has already faced Anderson Silva and Jake Paul

Julio César Chávez Jr. has faced some big names and different profiles in professional boxing recently. In June 2021, he fought Anderson Silva in the 'Tribute to the Kings' bout, held at Jalisco Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico. The bout ended in a split decision victory for 'Spider', with all three scores reading 77–75.

Most recently, the boxer faced off against the influencer and boxer Jake Paul in June of this year at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California (USA). The digital influencer won by unanimous decision, with scores of 99–91, 98–92, and 97–93.