- Boxing. Nate Diaz pushing for rematch against Jake Paul: You ain't got nobody to fight
- Boxing. Eddie Hearn calls KSI vs Tommy Fury "worst fight I've ever seen"
Julio Cesar Chavez Gonzalez, often regarded as the greatest Mexican boxer of all time due to his multiple world titles across three divisions and an astonishing record of 87 consecutive victories, has faced criticism over the quality of his opponents during his career.
One infamous incident involved a challenger named Greg Haugen, who disparaged Chavez's opponents as being mere taxi drivers.
This led to a historic bout in 1993 at the Azteca stadium in Mexico City, where Chavez defeated Haugen in five rounds, defending his legacy.
Controversy in the Chavez boxing family
Surprisingly, a recent controversy has emerged within the Chavez family itself, when Julio Cesar Chavez Carrasco, the boxing legend's son, questioned the caliber of opponents his father faced during his prime.
"Even though my dad has a record of 90 and 89-0, maybe they were taxi drivers [his opponents]," he noted.
This statement drew criticism as it seemingly diminished his father's achievements.
This exchange of unfortunate comments extends both ways within the family. Chavez Sr. has been critical of his son's career and personal life, even expressing concerns about his health and lifestyle choices.
He has advised his son to retire, highlighting issues with substance abuse and discipline. This strained relationship between father and son is evident in their public remarks.
Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. did fight a taxi driver
In a surprising revelation, Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. admitted that his debut fight did involve an opponent who worked as a taxi driver.
He fought Andres Felix, a fighter with substantial experience, and nearly considered retiring due to the grueling nature of the match.
"I was on the point of retiring," he said.
"That taxi driver, Andres Felix, was a very experienced fighter, a fighter who took me the distance.
"I knocked him out in the sixth round, but I got so tired, I got so exhausted that I said 'I'm not fighting again'.
"Fortunately they stopped the fight and I won. I wanted to keep fighting, but if I had lost I would have retired for good."