At 58 Julio Cesar Chavez will Fight One More Time

Boxing legend Julio Cesar Chavez returns to the ring one final time this Saturday, becoming the latest retired pugilist to jump on the exhibition bandwagon.

Fighting on card dubbed “Tribute to the Kings,” Chavez will fight alongside his sons Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, and Omar Chavez at Jalisco Stadium, in Guadalajara.

In what has become somewhat of a trend, “El Gran Campeón Mexicano” joins the likes of Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr, amongst others, in coming out of retirement to see how much they have left in the tank.

Chavez, 58, will be facing Hector Camacho Jr (59-7-1, 33 KO’s), the son of former three division World Champion Hector “Macho” Camacho.

Although it’s been nearly 29 years since Chavez (107-6-2, 85 KO’s) defeated his father via unanimous decision, Camacho Jr, 42,  has not forgotten, and is looking forward to avenging his late father’s defeat.

“[I’ve been waiting for revenge] since 1992, when Chavez beat my father, that was a defeat for Puerto Rico and my family,” Camacho Jr told Rodrigo Camacho. “I have sought the fight with Chavez for years and it was not possible; I tried with Julio Jr, I couldn’t; I tried to get Omar [Chavez], I couldn’t. What I wanted was a Chavez and finally with Chavez Sr. we are going to do it in an exhibition. Now it’s my turn.”

Chavez, for his part, acknowledged the problems the much younger Camacho might pose.

“I accepted this fight because of the love and respect I have for his father,” Chavez said. “I know that this is a tough and complicated fight because Camacho is a lot younger, but I believe that my experience is enough to overcome that.”

Meanwhile, the younger Chavez (52-5-1, 34 KO’s), who’s had a rough couple of years since being thoroughly dominated by fellow countryman Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in 2017, will be facing former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva in a 10-round boxing match.

“I have rededicated myself to the sport I love, and I will be ready to face anyone in the Light Heavyweight division starting with Silva,” said Chavez Jr. “I will be prepared to be victorious on June 19th.”

Silva, 46, retired from mixed martial arts in November after suffering a fourth round TKO to Jamaican Uriah Hall

“I am extremely happy for the opportunity to test my boxing skills with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr,” said Silva. “I train continuously, always am striving for resilience and to overcome obstacles. Fighting is my everlasting breath.”

Although he is best known for his work inside the Octagon, Silva has boxed professionally in the past. He has a record of 1-1 (1 KO), with his last victory coming in 2005.

In addition to Chavez Sr and Jr, Omar Chavez will be fighting Ramon Alvarez for the third time.

Fans who wish watch the fights can order them via pay-per-view or stream them on FITE.TV on Saturday, June 19 at 9 p.m. ET. The cost is $39.99.