HERMOSILLO, Mexico — Boxer Julio César Chávez Jr. is set to stand trial in Mexico on charges related to alleged ties to drug cartels and arms trafficking. A judge has indicated that he may await trial outside of detention, according to his lawyer, Rubén Fernando Benítez Alvarez.

Following a court hearing on Saturday in Hermosillo, Alvarez stated that the court has allowed for three additional months of investigation into the case. He characterized the allegations against Chávez as “speculation” and “urban legends.” If convicted, Chávez could face a prison sentence ranging from four to eight years.

Chávez, 39, was arrested in early July by federal agents outside his home in Los Angeles. His arrest was linked to overstaying his visa and providing false information on a green card application. This incident occurred shortly after a high-profile boxing match against Jake Paul.

Since 2019, Mexican prosecutors have been investigating Chávez following a complaint from U.S. authorities regarding the Sinaloa Cartel, which is implicated in organized crime, human trafficking, arms trafficking, and drug trafficking. This investigation has led to inquiries involving 13 individuals, including Ovidio Guzmán López, the son of notorious drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. Guzmán López was arrested in January 2023 and extradited to the U.S. eight months later.

The Federal Attorney General's Office in Mexico has issued several arrest warrants, including one for Chávez. President Claudia Sheinbaum noted that Chávez had been wanted in Mexico since 2023 but had not been detained due to his residence in the U.S. She expressed hope that he would be deported and serve any potential sentence in Mexico.

Chávez was deported from the U.S. on August 19 and was subsequently handed over to Mexican authorities in Sonora. He was then transferred to the Federal Social Reintegration Center in Hermosillo.

This case has gained attention amid increased pressure from the Trump administration on Mexico to combat organized crime, which has included the cancellation of visas for prominent Mexican artists and celebrities, as well as heightened deportations.

Chávez has faced personal challenges, including struggles with drug addiction, and has a history of legal issues. In 2012, he was convicted of driving under the influence in Los Angeles and served 13 days in jail. He was also arrested last year for possession of weapons, specifically two rifles, but was released on $50,000 bail with the condition of attending addiction treatment.