Gabriel Jesus Sandoval Chavez was five years old when he came to the inner city of Chicago from Mexico. By the age of 16 he had developed into a promising amateur boxer but, in September of 1990, Jesus accompanied gang members on an armed robbery. He was arrested, convicted and sent to prison for three and half years. SPLIT DECISION is Jesus Chavez’s story, an inspirational account of an immensely talented boxer’s attempt to live the American dream, and a critical look at the recently enacted immigration laws that threatened to end his career.

The film chronicles the rise of Jesus ‘El Matador’ Chavez through the professional boxing ranks to his victory at the North American Super-featherweight Championship. Celebrated in the press, Jesus became the number one contender for the World Championship when the U.S. government enacted two tough immigration laws that ordered the immediate deportation of all non-U.S. citizens with a criminal conviction (including those with legal green cards). Despite his clear rehabilitation and his family’s legal status, Jesus was ineligible to apply for citizenship and was deported.

Living in Mexico, Jesus finds that he must struggle for acceptance in the land of his birth. In Mexico he is viewed as an outsider - a Chicano with an American accent. Forced to reestablish his boxing reputation Jesus begins training under the bleachers of a local gym, accepting matches with fighters ranked far below him.

He is finally granted an opportunity to prove himself by accepting a title bout with the heavily favored Mexican National Champion in Mexico City. Rumors of corrupt boxing judges run rampant, and a defeat would spell the end of his career. At the same time, Jesus’ family in the U.S. is awaiting a crucial decision from Illinois Governor Jim Edgar, whose judgment on whether to grant an official pardon will be the last chance for Jesus to return home.

SPLIT DECISION is a compelling documentary film that through the story of Jesus "El Matador" Chavez exposes the failings of current immigration policy and questions the implications of the prevailing "tough-on-crime" mentality. It is also an exploration of Jesus' cultural identity - is he American, Mexican, or Mexican-American?

Also available in a 75 minute version

"Engaging and moving...resonates on levels both political and personal." - Austin Chronicle

"SPLIT DECISION is a very real and humane story, an excellently told story, with brilliantly chosen music, a story that grabs the attention and emotion of the viewer, a story that faithfully reflects the irony of life. Absolutely don't miss it." - La Raza

"A gripping life story driven by the passion of boxer Jesus Chavez to triumph in his sport, to win fair and square even when justice has not been served, and most of all the power of heartfelt 'ganas' to rise above the limitations of past errors." - Federico Subervi, Associate Professor, University of Texas / Founder, Latinos and Media Project

"HIGHLY RECOMMENDED... compelling and thought provoking. This film exposes the rigid and unforgiving nature of U.S. immigration laws. It's editing, audio and video qualities are excellent. Those studying Latino or Chicano Studies, Criminal Justice, Civil Rights, or the problems of immigrants will find this film the most informative. It is suitable for high school, undergraduate or graduate students." - MC Journal: the Journal of Academic Media Librarianship

"Just try not to be emotionally KO'd by SPLIT DECISION, Marcy Garriott's engrossing documentary about boxer Jesus Chavez. Told simply and directly, his story packs a wallop, both as an examination of the injustices of American immigration policy, and as an inspirational tribute to Chavez' unwavering self-determination." - Mr. Showbiz