Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. was arrested by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on 2 July in Los Angeles, just four days after his boxing match against Jake Paul.
The 39-year-old former world middleweight champion was detained in Studio City, California, according to multiple reports.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the arrest on Thursday, stating that Chávez is being processed for "expedited removal from the United States."
The arrest relates to an active warrant in Mexico, where authorities allege Chavez has connections to the Sinaloa Cartel and faces charges of involvement in organised crime and trafficking firearms, ammunition and explosives.
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr has been arrested by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents
Reuters
In an official statement posted on X, the Department of Homeland Security announced: "On July 2, ICE arrested Mexican boxer and criminal illegal alien Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
"He is now being processed for expedited removal from the United States.
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"This Sinaloa Cartel affiliate has an active arrest warrant in Mexico for his involvement in organized crime and trafficking firearms, ammunitions and explosives."
The arrest took place in the Studio City area of Los Angeles on Wednesday. According to reports, the boxer will be returned to Mexico once processing is complete.
The Associated Press reported that Chavez had illegally entered the United States.
Chavez Jr., son of boxing legend Julio Cesar Chavez, suffered a comprehensive defeat to Paul at the Honda Center in Anaheim on Saturday night. The judges scored the bout 99-91, 97-93 and 98-92 in Paul's favour.
The Mexican fighter failed to land a single punch in the opening round and was largely ineffective throughout the ten-round contest.
Paul, fighting for the first time since his controversial bout with Mike Tyson, improved his professional record to 12-1.
After securing victory, Paul taunted the pro-Mexican crowd, saying: "Y'all can shut the f*** up. I just beat your boys' a**!"
Paul continued: "I was flawless… I thought I did great, going 10 rounds against a former world champion… I embarrassed him."
Chavez Jr. captured the WBC middleweight title in 2012 with a technical knockout victory over Ireland's Andy Lee, reaching 46-0-1.
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Jake Paul beat Julio Cesar Chavez Jr by unanimous decision at the weekend
Reuters
However, he has since lost to elite fighters including Sergio Martinez, Canelo Alvarez and Daniel Jacobs.
Prior to facing Paul, Chavez had competed just once in four years, defeating converted kickboxer Uriah Hall by unanimous decision last July.
He previously lost a 2021 split decision to UFC legend Anderson Silva, who was subsequently beaten by Paul the following year.