Mexican boxer Julio César Chávez Jr. has been formally charged and linked to a criminal process for alleged involvement in organized crime and arms trafficking, with specific accusations of ties to the Sinaloa Cartel's faction known as 'Los Chapitos.' The legal proceedings are taking place in Hermosillo, Sonora, where a federal judge ruled that despite the gravity of the charges, which typically warrant preventive imprisonment, Chávez Jr. will continue his trial under conditional liberty. He was released from the federal prison in Hermosillo on August 24, 2025, after being deported from the United States, where he was previously detained. The judge imposed precautionary measures including a prohibition on leaving Mexico without judicial authorization. The case has a three-month period for further investigation by the Fiscalía General de la República (FGR). Chávez Jr. has changed his legal representation to attorney Rubén Fernando Benítez. His father, former boxer Julio César Chávez, publicly stated that his son is not involved in any cartel, although he knows some members. Following his release, Chávez Jr. has resumed training in Hermosillo. The government initially requested that his hearings be conducted virtually or within the prison due to security concerns over potential attacks during transport. The decision to grant conditional freedom has sparked reactions at the national level, including from the presidential office. The boxer will face trial but is allowed to await proceedings outside of detention.