Julio Cesar Chavez has dismissed claims that he is the greatest Mexican fighter of all time, saying it is “disrespectful” to overlook the achievements of his countrymen.
Despite his humility, many would still regard Chavez as the best boxer to come out of Mexico, largely because of his astonishing 90-fight unbeaten run.
This undefeated streak saw him become a three-division world champion, with the pound-for-pound legend being involved in 27 major title fights during that time.
He did, of course, come close to experiencing his first defeat in 1993, when many felt he was fortunate to retain his WBC title with a draw against Pernell Whitaker.
It was in 1994, however, when Chavez suffered his first professional loss – against Frankie Randall – before exacting his revenge in their immediate rematch.
Another Mexican boxer to be named among the all-time greats, meanwhile, was Salvador Sanchez, whose life and career was tragically cut short in 1982.
Prior to that, Sanchez had made nine defences of his WBC featherweight title, defeating the likes of Azumah Nelson and Wilfredo Gomez with stunning stoppages.
When considering fighters like Sanchez, then, it is difficult for Chavez to accept his unofficial title – as Mexico’s greatest boxer in history. In an interview with Luis Parra Chavez claims ‘the truth’ is that all the greats were the best in their time.
“I find it disrespectful [to other Mexicans]. How many great world champions have we had? The truth is that each one [was] the greatest in their time.”
Mexico’s all-time greatest champions also include the likes of Juan Manuel Marquez, Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera, who were involved in a selection of iconic showdowns.
