Ex-boxer Chavez now restaurateur

PHOENIX, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Julio Cesar Chavez, who once dished out punishment in the ring, now is dishing out food at his own restaurant in Phoenix.

Just like when the six-time world champion Mexican boxer fought, he drew a large crowd Tuesday night when he opened Julio Cesar Chavez Campeones, a $4.5 million, 30,000-square-foot facility featuring a boxing ring and arcade area in addition to the dining room and bar, The Arizona Republic reported.

Enthusiastic fans and diners chanted his name periodically and cheered throughout the evening.

"He's the champion for Mexico," Cesar Lucia of Queen Creek, Ariz., said while trying to take a picture of Chavez, who signed autographs. "I'm excited and I'm going to come back."

Chavez, 47, won his six world titles in three weight categories -- super featherweight, lightweight and super lightweight -- over a 25-year career. He posted a 107-6-2 record with 86 knockouts.