Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. has had a lengthy and prestigious career, as the former world champion had defeated the best.
With his father being one of the greatest Mexican fighters of all time, Chavez Jr. successfully followed in his footsteps, becoming a world middleweight champion.
Making his debut in 2003, the Mexican’s first loss wouldn’t come until 2012, losing out to Sergio Martinez.
Although he was never able to regain his world title, Chavez Jr. did continue to fight. The final years of his career would see him take on opponents of varying calibers, including opposition from other sports.
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. faced a UFC legend in 2021
In 2021, Chavez Jr. was still stepping into the boxing ring, almost 20 years on from his debut.
Not only was Chavez Jr. competing, but he was still facing prolific athletes. However, when he stepped into the ring in 2021, he was not facing a fighter with a boxing background.
Instead, he would take on Anderson Silva. ‘The Spider’ is a former UFC middleweight champion, and also a ‘Hall of Fame’ athlete.
Silva had left the MMA organization prior to fighting Chavez Jr. and went into his boxing match with a professional record of 1-1. However, his last fights had come in 1998 and 2005.
Chavez Jr. on the other hand would be making his 59th boxing appearance, with a record of 52-5-1.
Despite the huge experience difference, it would be the MMA star who would take home the victory as the two met in Mexico.
The bout was scheduled for eight rounds, with the pair going the distance in the fight. Although both men had success, Silva would be the victor, winning via split decision.
Known for his showmanship in the UFC, Silva was playful and often taunting his opponent on his way to a close victory.
Following Silva’s win, he would go on to defeat Tito Ortiz in another boxing match on the undercard of Evander Holyfield vs Vitor Belfort.
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Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. would face another former UFC fighter in 2024
Despite not having a successful night against Silva, this would not deter Chavez Jr. from stepping into the ring with another former UFC fighter.
In 2024, Chavez Jr. would take on Uriah Hall, who was the last fighter to defeat Silva inside the UFC octagon.
This time, the Mexican fighter would have more success. After six rounds, Chavez Jr. was awarded a unanimous decision victory in Tampa.
The fight was the last that Chavez Jr. has competed in, and it is currently unclear as to whether the Mexican will compete again.