The national anthem singers ahead of Jake Paul’s win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr made a striking political gesture on Saturday,
Both the Mexican national anthems were performed ahead of the match, with Mexican entertainer Ana Barbara first performing the former before singer Moriah sang the latter.
And at the end of the ‘Star-Spangled Banner,’ both singers held hands in a touching moment.
The scene came amid President Donald Trump placing a keen focus on the issue of illegal immigration, with ICE raids occurring in Los Angeles and elsewhere around the country. Those raids have also led to mass protests in LA.
Chavez Jr. took pride in his Mexican heritage ahead of the match as a Mariachi band was seen performing in his locker room.
Footage from the DAZN broadcast showed a five-piece Mariachi band beginning to perform as the 39-year-old was put through his warm up.
Ana Barbara performed the Mexican national anthem before the fight on Saturday
Moriah sang the Star-Spangled Banner, and joined hands with Barbara at the end
Paul would go on to defeat Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. by unanimous decision
The band then accompanied Chavez Jr. on his walk to the ring, where he seemed calm before ultimately losing to the YouTuber-turned boxer.
‘I’m here, it’s what I want in my life and that’s why I’m super happy. And I think it’s better to stay relaxed than feel pressure,’ he said.
‘This is exactly what I’ve worked very hard for. I’m more prepared, my dad has been here before, my mom has been here before. So this is nothing new.
Paul has been an ardent supporter of Trump’s as he endorsed him ahead of last year’s election – despite not being able to vote himself due to his residency in Puerto Rico.
In an 18-minute clip, Paul brought up the economy, border control and even transgenderism as issues that had swayed his thinking towards Trump.
Chavez Jr. prepared for his fight with Jake Paul with the help of a mariachi band
He also told his fans that ‘God has sent me here to tell you this message,’ while encouraging them to do their own research.
‘Look at the facts. Think for yourself. Don’t be a sheep in this world full of sheep,’ he said.
‘I’m putting my business, my career on the line during my peak going into fight Mike Tyson… because I don’t give a f*** what the consequences are.’
Paul earned his 12th win as a boxer by defeating Chavez Jr., and even called out former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
