Héctor Camacho facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Héctor Camacho |
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![]() Camacho in 2009
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Real name | Héctor Luis Camacho Matías |
Nickname(s) | Macho |
Rated at |
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Height | 5 ft 7 in |
Reach | 67 in |
Born | Bayamón, Puerto Rico |
May 24, 1962
Died | November 24, 2012 San Juan, Puerto Rico |
(aged 50)
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.
Contents
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
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 |
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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 |
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De La Hoya vs. Camacho | Opposites Attack | 560,000 | HBO |
See also
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