Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., once the WBC Middleweight Champion, has set his sights on recapturing championship glory in the cruiserweight division. The 39-year-old Mexican fighter has expressed a keen interest in challenging either David Benavidez or Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez for their respective titles.
Chavez Jr. made his professional debut with an impressive run, holding a record of 54 victories, seven losses, and one draw. Despite facing setbacks such as a loss to Sergio 'Maravilla' Martinez and personal struggles that included addiction problems, he restarted his boxing career in 2024. Since then, he's notched wins against opponents like Uriah Hall and Angel Sacco. However, a clash with YouTube sensation Jake Paul last June resulted in a loss, momentarily halting his momentum.
The ambition to fight champions like Benavidez or Ramirez isn't just talk for Chavez Jr. In a recent statement, he emphasized his eagerness to face the winner of an upcoming match between these two fellow Mexican fighters. He said vividly:
"I would like a fight with the winner of the Mexican fight between David Benavidez and Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez for the championship."
Mauricio Sulaiman, President of the World Boxing Council, commented on Chavez Jr.’s aspirations with words that suggest confidence in Chavez's capabilities despite age being a potential barrier.
"As a former world champion he has merit," Sulaiman stated, "Age is not an obstacle; he has the quality to move forward in boxing."
Returning to favored status within boxing circles comes at an opportune time for Chavez Jr., following both personal turmoil and legal issues including an arrest in the U.S. back in 2025.
For now, much rides on both upcoming matches and matchmaking decisions from promoters who think fans might pay to see these desirable bouts develop further, hinting at intriguing future possibilities for Chicano boxers on international stages!
