With his 60th birthday on the horizon, former three-weight world champion Julio César Chávez is set to lace up the gloves once more despite having promised that his bout against Héctor Machito Camacho - son of his legendary rival - would be his last.
The Hall of Famer revealed during a press conference in Mexico City on Monday that on May 21 he will face former champion Daniel Zaragoza in a tribute to the fruitful career of Veracruz trainer Ignacio Beristain.
The exhibition bout will held at the Monumental Plaza de Toros Mexico and will feature boxing legends such as Juan Manuel Marquez, Humberto "La Chiquita" Gonzalez, as well as former champions Johnny Gonzalez and Pedro Guevara.
"It's a great honour, because I'm very grateful to Don Nacho," Chavez said in an interview with DAZN.
"Yes it's a sacrifice because I have a hard time boxing. But that's why I'm going to the Otomí Ceremonial Center (in the mountains of the State of Mexico) because the altitude of Mexico City affects me. I don't want to drown, I don't want to make a fool of myself, because (Daniel) Zaragoza, he is already adapted and runs a lot, he has condition. But what is learned is not forgotten and now fortunately I had to do an exhibition with someone older than me".
Chávez had Beristain in his corner during his successful boxing career and when his son, Julio César Chávez Jr, fought Canelo Álvarez in 2017, it was Beristain who took over his corner.
Chávez last appeared at the Plaza de Toros Mexico in 2004 where he beat Frankie Randall by unanimous decision.
"For me it's incredible to see that all my hard work is being recognized and that Julio agreed to headline this card. I feel very honored and happy," said trainer Nacho Beristain, who attended the announcement press confernece with Chavez.