Shockwaves in Culiacán: Boxing Scion’s Arrest Sparks Concerns Over Cartel Connections

CULIACAN, Mexico (AP) — In a quiet sports arena in Culiacan, young amateur boxers practiced under bright lights. Outside, a bronze statue of boxing legend Julio César Chávez stood tall, a glove raised in victory. The event, organized by one of Chávez’s brothers, promised excitement. But “The Legend” himself was absent, following a tough week for the family.

This week, Julio César Chávez Jr., his son, was arrested in Los Angeles. U.S. immigration officials accused him of overstaying his visa and lying on a green card application. Complicated matters further, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security revealed an active arrest warrant against Chávez Jr. in Mexico for alleged drug and arms trafficking, hinting at ties to the notorious Sinaloa Cartel.

Chávez’s name means a lot in Culiacan, much like Diego Maradona does in Argentina. He is a symbol of pride, having risen from a working-class neighborhood to become a national hero.

However, talk of the cartel once filled the air, though conversations have shifted to whispers since a violent power struggle erupted within its ranks last year. A kidnapping by one faction led to chaos, making it unwise to mention the cartel openly.

At Friday’s event, while Chávez Jr.’s arrest was on many minds, it was a topic seldom discussed. Óscar Arrieta, a local sports journalist, felt the weight of Chávez Jr.’s situation on the community. He pointed out, “American authorities have presented him in a harsh light.” The journalist raised questions about the lack of action on the Mexican warrant, noting that on social media, Chávez Jr. was highly visible and active, preparing for a big fight.

Political figures have also reacted. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum remarked that Chávez Jr. had mostly been living in the U.S. since the arrest warrant was issued. Arrieta suggested this arrest was not only about Chávez Jr., but also a way for the U.S. to highlight issues within the Mexican government. “This is a shocking intersection of sports and organized crime,” he said.

In local boxing gyms, the mood remained somber after Thursday’s news. Many young fighters, instead of prepping for bouts, trained quietly. Jorge Romero, a boxing trainer and a former pro, expressed his admiration for Chávez Jr., calling him “an excellent person.” He emphasized that boxing should not be linked to organized crime, stating it is a clean sport.

Chávez Jr. had been focused on his training, preparing for a fight against Jake Paul set for the near future. Still, many see this incident as a testament to the ongoing violence in Culiacan and the impact of organized crime on the boxing community. While some believe that sports and crime are separate, the shadows of the Sinaloa Cartel linger over conversations.

As Julio César Chávez remains a revered figure, the fallout from his son’s legal troubles raises pressing questions about identity, legacy, and the intersection of celebrity with organized crime. For many in Culiacan, pride in their boxing hero now intertwines with concern for his family’s struggles, reflecting a complex narrative shaped by history, fame, and the ongoing battle against crime.

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Crime, Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico, Los Angeles, Drug cartels, General news, Latin America, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Drug crimes, Immigration, Ismael Zambada Garca, Law enforcement, Sports, Jorge Romero, United States, scar Arrieta, Diego Maradona, World news