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Héctor Camacho
Hector Camacho 2009.jpg
Camacho in 2009
Statistics
Real name Héctor Luis Camacho Matías
Nickname(s) Macho
Rated at
  • Super featherweight
  • Lightweight
  • Light welterweight
  • Welterweight
  • Light middleweight
  • Middleweight
  • Super middleweight
Height 5 ft 7 in
Reach 67 in
Born (1962-05-24)May 24, 1962
Bayamón, Puerto Rico
Died November 24, 2012(2012-11-24) (aged 50)
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Stance Southpaw
Boxing record
Total fights 88
Wins 79
Wins by KO 38
Losses 6
Draws 3

Héctor Luís Camacho Matías (born May 24, 1962), known as "Macho" Camacho, was a famous Puerto Rican professional boxer. He was known for being super fast in the boxing ring and for his exciting, flashy style. Camacho boxed professionally from 1980 to 2010.

He became a world champion in three different weight classes. He held the WBC super featherweight title, the WBC lightweight title, and the WBO junior welterweight title twice.

Before turning pro, Camacho had an amazing amateur career. He won three New York Golden Gloves tournaments. As a professional, he fought many big names in boxing. He beat Roberto Durán twice and knocked out Sugar Ray Leonard. He also faced other boxing legends like Julio César Chávez, Félix Trinidad, and Oscar De La Hoya.

Later in his life, Camacho also became a popular TV personality. He appeared on Spanish-language reality television shows. These included the dancing show Mira Quien Baila and a weekly segment called "Macho News" on El Gordo y La Flaca.

Early Life and Amateur Boxing

Héctor Camacho was born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. His parents were Héctor Luis Camacho Sr. and María Matías. He was one of five children. When he was three years old, his parents separated. His mother moved with the children to New York City. They lived in a place called the James Weldon Johnson housing project in Spanish Harlem.

Camacho went to local schools there. A language teacher named Pat Flannery helped him a lot. Mr. Flannery taught him to read and was like a father figure to him. When Camacho started learning boxing and karate as a teenager, Mr. Flannery helped him get into the Golden Gloves competitions. Camacho showed great talent in boxing and decided to make it his career.

Golden Gloves Champion

As an amateur boxer, Camacho won three New York Golden Gloves Championships.

  • In 1978, he won the 112 lb Sub-Novice Championship.
  • In 1979, he won the 118 lb Open Championship.
  • In 1980, he won the 119 lb Open Championship.

He also won the Intercity Golden Gloves in 1980, beating Orlando Johnson from Chicago. Camacho finished his amateur career with an impressive record of 96 wins and only 4 losses in 100 fights.

Why "Macho"?

There are different stories about how Camacho got his famous nickname "Macho".

  • His father said he gave him the nickname because he was his youngest son.
  • The New York Times reported that his mentor, Pat Flannery, gave him the name when he was a teenager.
  • Camacho himself said that American co-workers at a factory couldn't say his last name easily, so they called him "Macho".

Professional Boxing Career

After a fantastic amateur career, Camacho quickly rose through the professional boxing ranks. He started in the featherweight division and then moved to junior-lightweight. He was so confident that he believed he could beat world champions like Salvador Sánchez.

Becoming a Super Featherweight Champion

The World Boxing Council (WBC) declared their world junior lightweight championship empty. This happened because the champion, Bobby Chacón, would not come to Puerto Rico to fight Camacho. So, Rafael Limón, a former champion, fought Camacho for the vacant title. This was Camacho's first time fighting a former world champion. Camacho knocked Limón down late in the third round and twice more in the fifth round. The referee then stopped the fight, and Camacho won his first world title!

Camacho defended his title in San Juan against fellow Puerto Rican Rafael Solis. He knocked out Solis in the fifth round to keep his title.

Moving Up to Lightweight

Camacho then moved up to the lightweight division. He won the United States Boxing Association title by beating Roque Montoya. His next big fight was shown on Home Box Office (HBO). Camacho beat the Mexican world champion, José Luis Ramírez, in Las Vegas. He won the WBC world Lightweight championship by a unanimous decision after 12 rounds. This made him a two-time world champion.

On June 13, 1986, Camacho fought former WBC lightweight champion Edwin Rosario at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This fight was very exciting because both boxers had strong moments. Camacho won the close fight by a split decision, keeping his title. He also defended his title against Cornelius Boza-Edwards in Miami.

Light Welterweight Champion

Camacho moved up in weight again. He fought Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini, a former world lightweight champion, for the vacant WBO Light Welterweight title. Camacho won this fight by a split decision after 12 rounds. This made him a world champion in three different weight divisions, a very special achievement!

He then defended his title against Vinny Pazienza and Tony Baltazar, winning both fights. However, his undefeated streak ended when he lost his world championship to Greg Haugen. A rematch was ordered, and Camacho won back the title in a very close fight.

In 1992, Camacho fought Julio César Chávez, a Mexican champion who had never lost a fight (81-0). Camacho entered the ring wearing an outfit based on the Puerto Rican flag. Chávez won the fight by a unanimous decision.

After 1992, Camacho had more important fights. He beat Roberto Durán twice. In 1997, he knocked out Sugar Ray Leonard in five rounds. This fight caused Leonard, who was 41, to retire from boxing for good.

Later Career

Camacho also fought for the World Welterweight Championship against Félix Trinidad (1994) and Oscar De La Hoya (1997). He lost both of these matches.

He continued to box until 2010. His last two fights were a draw against Luis Ramón Campas and a loss to Saúl Duran.

Death

On November 20, 2012, Camacho was shot while sitting in a car in Bayamón. The driver, his childhood friend, was killed. Camacho was seriously wounded and taken to the hospital. He was officially declared dead after a heart attack on November 23, 2012.

He was survived by his parents, his sons, two grandsons, his brother Félix, and his sisters Raquel, Estrella, and Esperanza. Many people, including Puerto Rico's former governor, remembered Camacho for his exciting personality and how he united the country.

Funeral and Burial

After Camacho's death, his mother wanted him to be buried in New York City, where he grew up. His son, Hector Camacho Jr., agreed to his grandmother's wishes.

Before being taken to New York, Camacho's body was shown to the public in Santurce. Hundreds of people came to pay their respects. Many famous boxers from Puerto Rico and other places attended the funeral services. They included Félix "Tito" Trinidad, Wilfred Benítez, and Wilfredo Gómez.

Camacho was buried on December 1, 2012, in Saint Raymond's Cemetery in the Bronx. A parade was held in his honor in East Harlem. Two white horses pulled a carriage with his casket, which was covered with a Puerto Rican flag.

Investigation Update

Almost ten years later, in March 2022, the Department of Justice of Puerto Rico arrested five suspects in connection with Camacho's death.

Legacy and Honors

Many sports journalists and boxing experts have praised Camacho's skills and his impact on boxing. Some believe he was among the "Top 5 Puerto Rican boxers" of all time. He was called a "complete fighter" and someone who "revolutionized boxing."

Ed Brophy, director of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, said Camacho brought a lot of excitement to boxing. He was known for his colorful entrances to the ring and his unique costumes. Brophy also said Camacho was an "exciting fighter, and one of the greats" who faced the best boxers.

Alfredo R. Martínez of ESPN Deportes noted Camacho's flashy style. He said Camacho was one of the first boxers to enter the ring with extravagant costumes and bright clothes, often to the rhythm of pop music.

In December 2015, Camacho was voted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. He was officially inducted in June 2016, becoming a permanent part of boxing history.

Several books have been written about Camacho's life, including Macho Time: The Meteoric Rise and Tragic Fall of Hector Camacho by Christian Giudice. His son, Hector Camacho Jr., also wrote a comic book called "Macho Dad," where Camacho is shown as a superhero.

Family Life

Camacho had four sons. His oldest son, Héctor "Machito" Camacho Jr. (born in 1978), also became a professional boxer and won a championship.

Camacho married Amy Torres in 1991. They had three sons: Justin, Christian, and Tyler. His youngest son, Tyler, is also a boxer, just like Camacho's brother, Felix Camacho. Camacho and Amy Torres divorced in 2001.

Popular Influence

During his most famous years, Camacho became a big part of popular culture. He appeared on TV shows like Telemundo's Super Sábados, where he performed a musical sketch called "Macho Time." He also appeared in the sitcom The Wayans Bros., playing a boxer named Manuel "Hot Pepper" López.

Camacho was mentioned in books, TV shows, and music. Rapper Lil Wayne even referred to Camacho in his 2008 song "Mr. Carter".

After he retired from boxing, Camacho became an even bigger TV personality. In 2010, he was on ¡Mira Quien Baila!, which is like Dancing with the Stars. He later joined the Univision show El Gordo y La Flaca as a TV critic. In 2012, Camacho starred in a dating game show called It's Macho Time.

Professional Boxing Record

Professional record summary
88 fights 79 wins 6 losses
By knockout 38 0
By decision 41 6
Draws 3
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
88 Loss 79–6–3 Saúl Duran UD 10 May 14, 2010 Civic Center, Kissimmee, Florida, U.S.
87 Draw 79–5–3 Yori Boy Campas SD 8 May 9, 2009 DoubleTree, Orlando, Florida, U.S.
86 Win 79–5–2 Perry Ballard TKO 7 (12), 0:27 Jul 18, 2008 Reliant Arena, Houston, Texas, U.S. Won vacant WBF (Foundation) International light middleweight title
85 Win 78–5–2 Raul Munoz UD 10 Jul 9, 2005 Convention Center, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.
84 Win 77–5–2 Clint McNeil UD 10 Jul 3, 2004 Beau Rivage, Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S.
83 Win 76–5–2 Craig Houk TKO 3 (10), 0:25 Dec 5, 2003 Seminole Casino, Immokalee, Florida, U.S.
82 Loss 75–5–2 Chris Walsh TD 6 (10), 3:00 Apr 18, 2003 RBC Center, Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S. Split TD after a cut
81 Win 75–4–2 Otilio Villarreal TKO 9 (10) Jan 18, 2003 Osceola County Stadium, Kissimmee, Florida, U.S.
80 Win 74–4–2 Roberto Durán UD 12 Jul 14, 2001 Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado, U.S. Won NBA super middleweight title
79 Win 73–4–2 Troy Lowry UD 10 Feb 3, 2001 Club Level, Miami Beach, Florida, U.S.
78 Win 72–4–2 Tim Bryan TKO 5 (10) Jun 16, 2000 Casino, Chippewas, Ontario, Canada
77 Win 71–4–2 Billy Fox UD 10 Jun 9, 2000 Turning Stone Resort Casino, Verona, New York, U.S.
76 Win 70–4–2 Bobby Elkins TKO 5 (10) Apr 8, 2000 Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
75 Draw 69–4–2 Jorge Vaca TD 3 (12) Nov 27, 1999 Carolina, Puerto Rico
74 Win 69–4–1 Manuel Esparza TKO 5 (10), 1:55 Oct 21, 1999 Hilton, Washington, D.C., U.S.
73 Win 68–4–1 Patrick Goossen UD 10 Jun 18, 1999 Field House, Struthers, Ohio, U.S.
72 Win 67–4–1 Scott Smith UD 10 Mar 19, 1999 Turning Stone Resort Casino, Verona, New York, U.S.
71 Win 66–4–1 Ken Sigurani SD 10 Oct 23, 1998 Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort, New Cumberland, West Virginia, U.S.
70 Win 65–4–1 Tony Menefee UD 12 Aug 11, 1998 Miccosukee Resort & Gaming, Miami, Florida, U.S. Won vacant IBC light middleweight title
69 Win 64–4–1 Tommy Small TKO 6 (10) Jun 12, 1998 Turning Stone Resort Casino, Verona, New York, U.S.
68 Loss 63–4–1 Oscar De La Hoya UD 12 Sep 13, 1997 Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. For WBC welterweight title
67 Win 63–3–1 Sugar Ray Leonard TKO 5 (12), 1:08 Mar 1, 1997 Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. Retained IBC middleweight title
66 Win 62–3–1 Heath Todd TKO 6 (10), 2:37 Oct 1, 1996 War Memorial Auditorium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S.
65 Win 61–3–1 Arturo Nina UD 10 Aug 20, 1996 Paramount Theater, New York City, New York, U.S.
64 Win 60–3–1 Craig Houk TKO 2 (10), 2:12 Jul 11, 1996 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
63 Win 59–3–1 Roberto Durán UD 12 Jun 22, 1996 Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. Won vacant IBC middleweight title
62 Win 58–3–1 Wilbur Garst TKO 7 (10), 2:27 Apr 11, 1996 Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S.
61 Draw 57–3–1 Sal Lopez TD 2 (12), 1:52 Jan 16, 1996 War Memorial Auditorium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S. Retained IBC welterweight title
60 Win 57–3 Lonnie Horn TKO 6 (10), 2:35 Dec 9, 1995 The MARK of the Quad Cities, Moline, Illinois, U.S.
59 Win 56–3 Danny Chavez UD 10 Nov 7, 1995 Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort, New Cumberland, West Virginia, U.S.
58 Win 55–3 Richie Hess TKO 4 (10), 2:59 Oct 11, 1995 Hilton, Washington, D.C., U.S.
57 Win 54–3 Tony Rodriguez UD 10 Sep 28, 1995 Grand Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
56 Win 53–3 Gary Kirkland TKO 9 (12), 2:39 Aug 6, 1995 Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S. Retained IBC welterweight title
55 Win 52–3 Juan Arroyo RTD 6 (10), 3:00 Jun 27, 1995 War Memorial Auditorium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S.
54 Win 51–3 Homer Gibbins UD 12 May 20, 1995 Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. Retained IBC welterweight title
53 Win 50–3 Verdell Smith UD 10 Mar 29, 1995 Myrl H. Shoemaker Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
52 Win 49–3 Luis Maysonet RTD 7 (10), 3:00 Feb 28, 1995 Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S.
51 Win 48–3 Todd Foster TKO 5 (12), 1:45 Jan 14, 1995 Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. Won vacant IBC welterweight title
50 Win 47–3 Rusty Derouen TKO 4 (10), 2:31 Nov 15, 1994 Civic Center, Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S.
49 Win 46–3 Pat Lawlor UD 10 Sep 27, 1994 Casino Magic, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, U.S.
48 Win 45–3 Craig Snyder UD 10 Jun 9, 1994 Horizon, Rosemont, Illinois, U.S.
47 Win 44–3 Franco DiOrio UD 10 May 3, 1994 Casino Magic, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, U.S.
46 Loss 43–3 Félix Trinidad UD 12 Jan 29, 1994 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. For IBF welterweight title
45 Win 43–2 Lee Fortune TKO 1 (10), 1:22 Dec 18, 1993 Estadio Cuauhtémoc, Puebla, Mexico
44 Win 42–2 Tom Alexander TKO 7 (10) Jun 19, 1993 Sports Arena, San Diego, California, U.S.
43 Win 41–2 Eric Podolak TKO 5 (10), 0:26 May 8, 1993 Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
42 Loss 40–2 Julio César Chávez UD 12 Sep 12, 1992 Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. For WBC light welterweight title
41 Win 40–1 Eddie VanKirk TKO 4 (10), 1:03 Aug 1, 1991 Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.
40 Win 39–1 Greg Haugen SD 12 May 18, 1991 Convention Center, Reno, Nevada, U.S. Won WBO light welterweight title
39 Loss 38–1 Greg Haugen SD 12 Feb 23, 1991 Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Lost WBO light welterweight title
38 Win 38–0 Tony Baltazar UD 12 Aug 11, 1990 Caesars Tahoe, Stateline, Nevada, U.S. Retained WBO light welterweight title
37 Win 37–0 Vinny Pazienza UD 12 Feb 3, 1990 Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. Retained WBO light welterweight title
36 Win 36–0 Raul Torres UD 10 Nov 4, 1989 Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
35 Win 35–0 Tommy Hanks UD 10 Jul 17, 1989 Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
34 Win 34–0 Ray Mancini SD 12 Mar 6, 1989 Lawlor Events Center, Reno, Nevada, U.S. Won inaugural WBO light welterweight title
33 Win 33–0 Rick Souce TKO 4 (10), 1:50 Oct 22, 1988 Bayamón, Puerto Rico
32 Win 32–0 Reyes Antonio Cruz UD 10 Jun 25, 1988 TropWorld Resort, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
31 Win 31–0 Howard Davis Jr. UD 10 May 2, 1987 Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
30 Win 30–0 Cornelius Boza-Edwards UD 12 Sep 26, 1986 Abel Holtz Stadium, Miami Beach, Florida, U.S. Retained WBC lightweight title
29 Win 29–0 Edwin Rosario SD 12 Jun 13, 1986 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained WBC lightweight title
28 Win 28–0 Freddie Roach UD 10 Dec 18, 1985 ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California, U.S.
27 Win 27–0 José Luis Ramírez UD 12 Aug 10, 1985 Riviera, Winchester, Nevada, U.S. Won WBC lightweight title
26 Win 26–0 Roque Montoya UD 12 Apr 29, 1985 Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, U.S. Won vacant NABF lightweight title
25 Win 25–0 Louis Burke TKO 5 (10), 3:00 Jan 19, 1985 Harrah's at Trump Plaza, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
24 Win 24–0 Rafael Williams TKO 7 (10), 2:19 May 20, 1984 Memorial Coliseum, Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S.
23 Win 23–0 Rafael Solis KO 5 (12), 2:02 Nov 18, 1983 Roberto Clemente Coliseum, San Juan, Puerto Rico Retained WBC super featherweight title
22 Win 22–0 Rafael Limón TKO 5 (12), 2:52 Aug 7, 1983 Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan, Puerto Rico Won vacant WBC super featherweight title
21 Win 21–0 Irleis Perez UD 10 Apr 3, 1983 Convention Center, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
20 Win 20–0 John Montes KO 1 (10), 1:13 Feb 12, 1983 Buckner Fieldhouse, Fort Richardson, Alaska, U.S.
19 Win 19–0 Greg Coverson UD 10 Nov 20, 1982 Showboat Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
18 Win 18–0 Melvin Paul UD 10 Oct 30, 1982 Sands, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
17 Win 17–0 Johnny Sato TKO 4 (10), 2:15 Aug 28, 1982 Sands, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
16 Win 16–0 Louis Loy TKO 7 (10), 1:24 Jul 11, 1982 Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.
15 Win 15–0 Refugio Rojas TKO 1 (12) May 21, 1982 Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained NABF super featherweight title
14 Win 14–0 Rafael Lopez TKO 3 (10) Mar 31, 1982 Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.
13 Win 13–0 Jorge Nina UD 8 Feb 15, 1982 New York City, New York, U.S.
12 Win 12–0 Blaine Dickson UD 12 Dec 11, 1981 Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S. Won NABF super featherweight title
11 Win 11–0 Anthony Murray UD 10 Nov 5, 1981 Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.
10 Win 10–0 Robert Mullins KO 6 (10), 1:19 Sep 16, 1981 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
9 Win 9–0 Jose Figueroa KO 1 (8), 0:43 Jul 24, 1981 Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.
8 Win 8–0 Marcial Santiago UD 8 Jun 25, 1981 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
7 Win 7–0 Kato Ali TKO 7 (8), 2:37 May 16, 1981 Concord Resort Hotel, Thompson, New York, U.S.
6 Win 6–0 Tomas Enrique Diaz UD 6 May 2, 1981 New York City, New York, U.S.
5 Win 5–0 Jerry Strickland KO 2 (6), 2:40 Apr 24, 1981 Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 Robert Johnson KO 1 Mar 27, 1981 New York City, New York, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Herman Ingram UD 6 Mar 12, 1981 Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Benny Llanos KO 1 Dec 12, 1980 Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 David Brown PTS 4 Sep 12, 1980 Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.

Pay-per-view Bouts

Date Fight Billing Buys Network
September 13, 1997
De La Hoya vs. Camacho Opposites Attack 560,000 HBO

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Héctor Camacho para niños

  • List of Puerto Ricans
  • List of boxing triple champions
  • List of Puerto Rican boxing world champions
  • Notable boxing families
  • Sports in Puerto Rico
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