(Note: This Biofile with legendary champion is from 1993 – my second year as a professional journalist. It was the peak of the Chavez reign, just before the infamous San Antonio showdown on September 10, 1993. I was very lucky to get this Biofile with Chavez who did very few one-on-one interviews with American media. Glady Rosa helped with translation.)
Status: Former six-time world champion. Boxed from 1983-2005. Ring record is 107-6-2 (86 KO’s).
Ht: 5-7 Wt: 147
DOB: July 12, 1962 In: Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico
Nicknames: JC, Mr. KO, The Greatest Mexican Champion, The Caesar of Boxing.
Greatest Sports Moment: “Winning my first world title belt (WBC Super Featherweight title by KO over Mario Martinez in Grand Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles.)”
Favorite Movies: “Any starring Clint Eastwood, Bruce Willis.”
Favorite Boxers To Watch: “Mike Tyson, Jose Napoles, Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard, Azumah Nelson, Oscar De La Hoya.”
First Job: “Selling newspapers.”
Best Book Read: “The Bible.”
Favorite Sports Outside Boxing: “Soccer and basketball.”
Favorite Vacation Spot: “Mazatlan.”
Musical Tastes: “The Beatles – “Hey Jude”, Luis Miguel, Ana Garbiel, Daniela Romo.”
Favorite Meal: “Sushi, seafood.”
Pre-Fight Meal: “Seven fishes soup.”
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: “Vanilla.”
Hobbies/Leisure Activities: “Singing, soccer, beach lover.”
Childhood Dreams: “To play pro soccer, become pro boxer.”
Funniest Boxers Encountered: “Hector Camacho, Maromero Paez.”
Closest Friends In Boxing: “Azumah Nelson.”
Current Cars: “Lamborghini, Ferrari – Mike Tyson sold it to me, two Corvettes, two Mercedes Benzes, three stretch limos.”
Most Treasured Possession: “My family.”
People Most Admired: “Mexico’s President Salinas, Don King.”
www.thebiofile.com