SOURCES CONFIRM JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ MR. AMIGO 2019

Special to El Rrun-Rrun

Sources who wish to remain anonymous because they are not authorized to disclose this information have confirmed that this year's selection for Mr. Amigo in none other than champion boxer Julio Cesar Chavez.

If this is true – and the official announcement is for noon today –and after the controversy that erupted over last year's choice of Arturo Elias Ayub, son-in-law of Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim, this year's choice will go a long way to reconcile the organization with the citizens of Brownsville.

The Mr. Amigo Association mission statement is to "promote the international friendship and goodwill which has long existed between the United States of America and the Republic of Mexico as noted on international endeavors of culture, commerce, entertainment and other meaningful bi-national dialogue, all of which profess the mutual love and respect between its people. 

"Hence, the Mr. Amigo Association honors annually a distinguished Mexican citizen whose life work embodies those very human qualities and is honored and recognized with the Mr. Amigo bronze plaque and other expressions of friendship."

Chavez is the best-known Mexican boxer in recent history. He is known as the greatest boxer from Mexico. He is known for winning the world championship title six times in three different weight categories during his career of 25 years.

He was born in Sonora, Mexico, on July 12, 1962. Chavez’s father, Rodolfo Chavez, used to work for the railroad and Chavez, along with his nine siblings (four brothers and five sisters), grew up in an abandoned railroad car. He was from a poor family and as a child, he saw his mother wash and iron clothes in order to earn money.

Chavez took up boxing in order to earn money to bring his family out of poverty. He began as an amateur boxer at the age of 16, shortly before moving to Culiacan to pursue his dream to become a professional boxer.

He also holds record for successfully defending the world title more times than any other titleholder, for most number of title fight wins, the most number of title fights, and he had the longest winning streak of any boxer at about 13 years.

We have been critics of the MAA for some time because of their choices of Televisa movie and novela stars. And last year's choice left much to be desired. But if it's true, president Artemio Chavez, president-elect Juan Rogelio Chapa, treasurer Graciela Salas, and secretary Martha de la Garza – the MAA directors – deserve plaudits for their choice of this immensely popular Mexican citizen.