Julio Cesar Chavez is not only a legend in Mexico, but is a key figure in boxing history. As a former two-division world champion, he has a lasting legacy.
Chavez is considered to be one of the greatest ever Mexican fighters to grace the sport of boxing. Retiring with a professional record of 107-6-2, his incredible career spanned 25 years.
This impressive record even includes a 90-fight unbeaten streak. This 13-year run was eventually ended in 1994 when Chavez suffered his first loss to Frankie Randall via split decision. However, he was able to make amends in his following bout.
Julio Cesar Chavez avenged his loss to Frankie Randall four months after defeat
Dropping his WBC World Super Lightweight title to Randall in January 1994, the two would rematch four months later.
On May 7th, 1994, Chavez would face Randall in the same venue as their first meeting, the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. This time, challenging for the title he once held.
Just like their first meeting, the two would have a close affair, for as long as the fight lasted. An accidental headbutt in the eighth round would cause an injury to Chavez, who could no longer compete in the fight.
At the time of the stoppage, Randall was ahead on two of the judge’s scorecards. However, due to Randall causing the damage to Chavez, he was deducted a point for the head clash.
The reduction of a point would swing the bout in the favor of Chavez, as the fight was decided on a technical decision after eight rounds. The Mexican then won the contest via split technical decision.
The judges scored the contest 76-75 and 77-74 for Chavez, as well as 76-75 in favor of Randall. Despite the nature of their rematch, they would not have a trilogy meeting for another 10 years.
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Julio Cesar Chavez and Frankie Randall had their third and final bout in 2004
Although rivals Chavez and Randall did not compete with one another immediately after their first two meetings, they would both remain active for another 10 years.
This would lead the pair to compete in a non-title bout in 2004, 10 years on from their last meeting. Fighting in Mexico City, the two were true veterans by the time of their third meeting.
Chavez was 41 years old, with a professional record of 105-5-2. As for Randall, he was one year older with a record of 58-14-2.
Competing on the same card as his son, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., who once beat Andy Lee, both Mexicans would be successful.
Chavez defeated Randall in a convincing decision victory, with his son winning via first-round knockout. There would be just two more outings for Chavez, whose final fight was a loss to Grover Wiley in 2005.