With 115 fights to his name, Julio Cesar Chavez had a remarkable 25-year career, spanning three decades.
Easily considered to be one of the greatest Mexican boxers of all time, one of the most iconic moments of the fighter’s career includes Chavez knocking out Meldrick Taylor in the final seconds of their fight.
Aside from the last-gasp knockout, Chavez can also boast the fact that he was a three-division world champion.
Although Chavez suffered six defeats in his career, he bounced back from his first stoppage loss in impressive fashion.
Julio Cesar Chavez bounced back from Oscar De La Hoya loss with stoppage win
After defeating Frankie Randall, the first man to beat Chavez, in their rematch, the Mexican great once again held the WBC World Super Lightweight title.
Making four title defenses in his second reign at 140 lbs, he would face a challenge from undefeated fighter Oscar De La Hoya.
De La Hoya would defeat Chavez via fourth-round TKO in what was the champion’s first-ever stoppage loss. Now with a record of 96-2-1, Chavez looked to return to the win column.
Coming back in October 1996, which was four months after his De La Hoya loss, Chavez faced Joey Gamache (45-2). The two competed in a non-title bout at welterweight, fighting in California.
Despite a fiery start to the fight from Gamache, Chavez began to gain control of the fight from the third round onwards.
As Chavez began to find the mark of his opponent, he enjoyed more success in the bout, seemingly growing in confidence.
In the eighth round of the fight, Chavez would deliver damaging shots to his opponent. Although Gamache was badly bloodied and showing signs of fatigue, he managed to stay standing until the end of the round.
However, Gamache would not emerge for the ninth round. Losing the bout via retirement, Gamache would suffer the third loss of his career. As for Chavez, he successfully returned to winning ways.
Julio Cesar Chavez would not be able to get revenge on Oscar De La Hoya
Chavez’s win over Gamache would start a new unbeaten streak from the Mexican. Winning four and drawing once, Chavez had worked his way to a rematch with De La Hoya.
De La Hoya was now the holder of the WBC World Welterweight title, as Chavez looked to dethrone his foe. However, it was not to be for the legend.
Extending his unbeaten record to 29-0, De La Hoya would once again stop Chavez.
This time winning via retirement, ‘Golden Boy’ claimed a brace of wins over Chavez, as the fight ended after eight completed rounds.