Boxer loved by Mike Tyson with a better record than Floyd Mayweather had sensational 90-fight streak snapped

3 months ago

Julio Cesar Chavez is regarded by many as the greatest Mexican fighter ever to grace the sport of boxing.

The three-weight world champion was adored by Mike Tyson and at one stage had a far greater unbeaten streak than Floyd Mayweather’s 50-0 record.

Chavez did not lose a single one of his first 90 fights as a pro boxerCredit: Getty

The Mexican maverick who turned pro as a 17-year-old in 1980 managed 35 fights in his first two years and instantly became a fan favourite in his homeland.

Chavez secured his first world title in 1984, defeating fellow countryman Mario Martinez for the WBC super-featherweight crown.

Retaining his belt three years on, he romped to a staggering 57-0 by moving up to conquer the WBA lightweight world title against Edwin Rosario.

In 1989, he was still undefeated and tested himself once again, beating Roger Mayweather to claim the WBC super-lightweight world title at 63-0.

Unbeatable at the time and a three-weight world champion, Chavez reached 87-0 before suffering the first blemish on his record – a draw with Pernell Whitaker, which many felt he was fortunate to escape without defeat.

He won two further fights to make it to 90 unbeaten and then, finally, on 29 January, 1994 – 14 years after his professional debut – the Mexican legend was defeated.

Frankie Randall was the major underdog who challenged 89-0-1 Chavez and left him 89-1-1 by the end of the night.

Randall floored Chavez in a shocking momentCredit: AFP

Randall knocked Chavez down for the first time in his career and emerged victorious by split decision in a result that stunned the boxing world.

There was controversy around the result as the Mexican angrily blamed his loss on referee Richard Steele’s two point deductions for low blows, which made the difference on the narrow scorecards.

The pair rematched three months later and Chavez righted the wrong, beating Randall by technical decision after a head clash ended the fight early.

Chavez fought on until 2005 and retired with 107 victories, six losses and two draws.

The American won a controversial decision, but lost the rematchCredit: Getty

Years later, he is fondly remembered by Tyson who said in a 2019 podcast appearance: “Floyd Mayweather’s a great fighter, don’t get me wrong. He had 50 fights,” before appearing to reinforce one widely held view that Mayweather chose his opponents carefully so as to preserve his record.

“[Chavez] was 89-0 before he lost.

“Don’t tell me about, ‘You’re the greatest fighter,’ with 50-0.

“You’re great, no doubt about it, but 50-0? Chavez had 90.

“He was fighting like, what? Eight times a year? Against whoever was in the rankings.”