The Mexican legend reportedly earned $9 million from that fight alone. The matchup was billed as a passing of the torch between the aging Chavez and the up and coming De La Hoya. However, payouts were not as large back then as they are now, although he did make a pretty penny in a fight in 1996 against a young Oscar De La Hoya. This seems like it might be a little low considering that he was one of the most successful fighters of the 1980’s and 1990’s. Julio Cesar Chavez’s net worth stands at $20 million at the present day. In 1993 he would fight to a contentious draw with Pernell Whitaker, which earned him $5 million. Julio Cesar Chavez would end up earning $1.4 million for the fight. It was about as clutch an ending as any fighter could have. With two seconds remaining in the final round, Chavez finally broke Taylor, knocking him out before the fight ended. The two fighters went the distance in a 12 round classic, which ended up being chosen as “Fight of The Year” by Ring Magazine. Perhaps his highest profile moment came in 1990 against Meldrick Taylor. Chavez would beat Roger Mayweather in their two career fights. One of his biggest rivals early on in his career was Roger Mayweather, who is the uncle of boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, Jr.

He did not squander the opportunity, as he defeated Mario Martinez by TKO to capture the World Boxing Council Super Featherweight Title.Ĭhavez would hold on to the belt until 1987, defeating every challenger that came his way in large arenas like Madison Square Garden in New York, Stade Pierre-de-Coubertin in Paris, and Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. His first chance to become a champion came in September 1984 in Los Angeles. Biggest Career FightsĮven though Chavez ended up winning the Lewis fight because the latter was disqualified, he did not lose his motivation or his edge to become one of the premier boxers. The fight turned out to be a bit anticlimactic, as opponent Jerry Lewis(whom he knocked out a couple months before) was disqualified for spitting out his mouthpiece multiple times. The first time Chavez fought professionally outside of his home country was in December 1984 in Sacramento. He knocked out his opponents in his first twelve fights, and in 17 out of his first 18 matches. It became pretty clear from age 17 that Chavez would have a chance to be something truly special in boxing. After one year, he would officially turn professional. He would become an amateur fighter at the age of sixteen, seasoning himself up against more formidable competition. In order to take the next step in his athletic pursuits, Julio Cesar Chavez moved to Culiacan in the northwest part of the country. They would all train together, but young Julio seemed hellbent on creating a better life for himself, and poured his heart and soul into his craft. He had four other brothers, most of whom were into boxing as well. Both of young Julio’s parents put in long hours to ensure that they could all get by.Īlthough it was a challenging way to live, Chavez and his siblings persevered. Chavez’s mother would wash and iron clothing to bring in additional money. His father worked for the railroad, and everyone had to make do living in an unused railroad car. According to reports, the Chavez family did not live in an actual house or apartment for much of Chavez’s life. He was one of ten children in his family.

The story of Julio Cesar Chavez starts on Jin Obregon, Sonora, Mexico. He overcame a lot of adversity early on by working hard and becoming one of the greatest competitors to ever put on a pair of boxing gloves.

There is always room for an inspirational rags to riches story, and that narrative certainly describes the progression of legendary Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez.

Julius cesar chavez