Two weeks ago in Guadalajara, Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. stepped in the ring for the final time when he took part in a four round exhibition clash with Hector Camacho Jr.
Chavez Sr. is widely regarded as the greatest Mexican fighter of all time.
Sitting at ringside for that event was four division world champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.
Canelo’s appearance at the function was not surprising. His older brother, Ramon Alvarez, saw action on the undercard – and Guadalajara is the Mexican star’s hometown.
Following the conclusion of the Chavez Sr’s exhibition fight, Canelo shared an emotional moment in the ring with the respected Hall of Famer.
There were numerous outlets that claimed Chavez Sr. was “passing the torch” to Canelo, who is currently regarded as the top pound-for-pound fighter in the sport.
Golden Boy Promotions CEO, Oscar De La Hoya, had promoted Canelo for several years – but in 2020 the two parties were involved in a legal battle and ultimately agreed to part ways.
Since their breakup, De La Hoya and Canelo have taken shots at each other during interviews.
De La Hoya does not believe Chavez Sr. was “passing the torch.”
“I know Julio Cesar Chavez and I know he didn’t mean that,” said De La Hoya to Fino Boxing.
“I know Chavez, he is my compadre. I don’t believe it. I think that in terms of passing the torch, that fighter hasn’t been born yet from Mexico. Those are very big shoes to fill.
“I know Chavez. Honestly, I know he didn’t say that.”
Canelo, who currently holds the WBC, WBA, WBO super middleweight titles, is expected to fight again in the month of September. He hopes to take part in a full division unification clash against IBF beltholder Caleb Plant.