Héctor Luís Camacho Matías was known as Macho Camacho….who was a Puerto Rican professional boxer and singer. Known for his quickness in the ring and flamboyant style….he held major championships in the WBC super featherweight (1983)….the WBC lightweight (1985)….and WBO junior welterweight (1989 and 1991) divisions. After earning minor titles in four additional weight classes….Camacho became the first boxer to be recognized as a septuple champion.
Camacho was a storied amateur having won three New York Golden Gloves….beginning with the Sub-Novice 112 lb. championship in 1978 having many notable fights during his 30-year career….defeating Panama’s Roberto “Manos de Piedras” Durán twice late in Duran’s career….then knocking out a 40-year-old Sugar Ray Leonard….sending Leonard into permanent retirement. He also fought against Julio César Chávez, Félix Trinidad, and Oscar de la Hoya, among others.
During his later years, Camacho expanded his popular role and appeared on a variety of Spanish-language reality television shows including Univision’s’ dancing show Mira Quien Baila….along with a weekly segment on the popular show El Gordo y La Flaca named Macho News. In 2008, he won his last major fight, the World Boxing Empire middleweight championship.
Hector Camacho had a rough go of life after boxing…..but I prefer to remember that blurr of a brilliant fighter in the ring…..for he was a joy to watch.
