New Mexico Boxing Leader Joe Chavez Remembered

The New Mexico Athletic Commission mourns the loss of a veteran leader and mentor in the state's boxing community.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 8:59am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The New Mexico Athletic Commission is remembering the life and legacy of Joe Chavez, a longtime member of the commission who passed away from cancer at the age of 81. Chavez served on the NMAC for 13 years, including a stint as chairman from 2019 to 2024, and was praised by current and former members for his extensive experience and commitment to mentoring newer commissioners.

Why it matters

Chavez's passing represents a significant loss for the New Mexico Athletic Commission, as his long tenure and mentorship provided invaluable institutional knowledge. The commission will likely need to prioritize identifying and cultivating new leaders to ensure continuity and maintain its commitment to combat sports in the state.

The details

In addition to his work on the NMAC, Chavez also served as a boxing promoter, staging nine fight cards between 2012 and 2015 that showcased the talent of New Mexico boxers, including Albuquerque welterweight Josh Torres. Current NMAC chairman Ed Manzanares and former boxer Stephanie Jaramillo both highlighted Chavez's impact, with Jaramillo recalling the financial and emotional support he provided during her amateur career.

  • Joe Chavez passed away on March 1, 2026, at the age of 81.
  • Chavez served on the New Mexico Athletic Commission for 13 years, including a stint as chairman from 2019 to 2024.

The players

Joe Chavez

A veteran of the New Mexico Athletic Commission who served on the commission for 13 years, including as chairman from 2019 to 2024. Chavez was also a boxing promoter, staging nine fight cards that showcased New Mexico boxers.

Ed Manzanares

The current chairman of the New Mexico Athletic Commission, who praised Chavez's mentorship and experience.

Stephanie Jaramillo

A current NMAC commissioner and former boxer, who recalled Chavez's financial and emotional support during her amateur career.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I've been on the commission now for four years and I just really want to thank Joe for taking on a young rookie. … His experience was invaluable to me and his mentorship beyond this commission.”

— Ed Manzanares, NMAC Chairman (newsy-today.com)

“I've known Joe almost my whole life. He was raised with my grandfather and when I was in the amateurs he financially helped me, emotionally helped me. He was a really good guy.”

— Stephanie Jaramillo, NMAC Commissioner and Former Boxer (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The New Mexico Athletic Commission may now explore new strategies to preserve the knowledge and passion for combat sports that Chavez championed, such as implementing new mentorship programs or seeking to recruit individuals with similar experience and dedication to fill the void left by his passing.

The takeaway

The passing of Joe Chavez represents a significant loss for the New Mexico Athletic Commission, as his long tenure and mentorship provided invaluable institutional knowledge. The commission will need to prioritize identifying and cultivating new leaders to ensure continuity and maintain its commitment to combat sports in the state.