Hector “Macho” Camacho DIES – The End of the Controversial and Flamboyant Champion – BOXING TRIBUTE
By Geno McGahee
The decision of his family was made to take him off of life support after the doctors declared him brain dead. He would pass away at the age of 50 after a memorable life that had its fair share of ups and downs.
Hector “Macho” Camacho, 79-6-3, 38 KO’s, was a stylish southpaw with incredibly quick hands and a competitive nature that put him in the ring with the best that boxing had to offer. He would pick up the lightweight, super lightweight and junior welterweight titles, but his career was more defined by his opposition and charisma then it was by the titles that he picked up.
He went undefeated, compiling a record of 38-0, with wins over Edwin Rosario, Ray Mancini, and Vinny Pazienza, but would be upset by Greg Haugen in 1991. He would avenge the defeat with a split decision victory and a showdown with one of the best fighters in history, Julio Cesar Chavez, JR.
Although Camacho would lose badly, he would show his grit, taking a vicious beating for twelve full rounds and making it to the final cards. He would also go the distance with a prime Felix Trinidad and Oscar De La Hoya, never losing a fight by stoppage in his career.
The life outside of the ring would prove destructive at times. In 2007, he would be sentenced to seven years on burglary charges, which was reduced to probation. There were domestic abuse and drug problems and considering the nature of his death, it is fair to say that his dangerous lifestyle outside of the ring caught up with him.
The boxing world says goodbye to a great champion. RIP Hector “Macho” Camacho.
Many from the boxing world chimed in on the loss of Hector Camacho. Here are their thoughts:
“I became aware of Hector ‘Macho’ Camacho via CBS television when he faced tough Melvin Paul and beat him via a ten round unanimous decision back in 1982. The three judges with Harold Lederman being one of them, gave Hector the nod by 10 – 0 and the third judge giving him the fight 9 -1 in rounds. I knew from this fight forward, Camacho was something special. Flamboyant for sure, but skilled nonetheless! Many today forget that Hector was an amazing fighter because as so many of my ‘Brothers in Boxing’ do, he fought on far too long. But…. In his prime, magic was made. As my dear friend Frankie Trullenque said in his thoughts about Hector, ‘he also showed the frailness of humanity’. He sure did, and though I didn’t agree with his lifestyle out of the ring, I was bonded to him for having shared a ring though not the same one, during our youth. I am deeply saddened by the death of Hector today, but from being around him at a few charity events, I really believe he would have not wanted any of us to be sad. Hewould want us to laugh at the many antics he pulled off in the ring over the years and to raise a glass and say, ‘It’s MACHO TIME’. RIP champ, you will never be forgotten. It’s time for him to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame!”—“Bad” Brad Berkwitt, CEO/Publisher Ringside Report
“Much love and respect to a great and legendary fighter. I send my regards to the ‘Macho Man’s’ family and hope that God holds his family at peace.”– Keith Holmes, 2 time WBC Middleweight Champion
“My prayers go out to the Camacho Family. May God shower down many blessings from above.”—“Fightlady” Wanda Bruce, World renown Female Boxing Matchmaker and Queen of ‘The Road To London’ Female Amateur Boxing Series
“It’s a sad day for boxing. He was a good champion and I hope his son will carry on the name.” — Arthur Mercante, JR., Boxing Referee
“The only man in boxing that can wear a kilt into the ring and kick your ass for talking about him. He will be missed by the boxing world for his courageous performances and his loyalty to his fans to always give them excitement. See you on the other side. RIP Hector!”—Timothy Bradley, WBO Welterweight Champion
“He was one of the first to bring entertainment to the ring with classy swag.”—Tony Jeter, WBC FECARBOX & Universal Boxing Organization All Americas Middleweight Champion
“The ‘Macho Man’ was one of a kind. As good as a showman the sport has ever seen. His premature passing leaves a void for the people and the sport that he contributed so much to. Rest peacefully Champ.”—Jimmy Lange, WBC Continental Americas Light Middleweight Champion, WBC United States (USNBC) Light Middleweight Champion, and NABA USA Light Middleweight Champion
“A great fighter, with so much speed and talent. He always wanted to give the fans a show. He is already missed. RIP Hector.”—Vinny Paz, 5x World Champion
“Hector Camacho was the original Showtime Bad Boy. Rest in Peace Champ.” – Ronnie Duncan, Boxing Announcer
“From humble beginnings to World Boxing Champion. From adversity to success ‘Macho’ Camacho taught us all things are possible and he also showed the frailness of humanity. May God bless Mr Camacho, his loving family and we are all thankful to have had the opportunity to know and enjoy his greatness and contributions to the world of boxing.” –Frankie Trullenque, former amateur boxer and boxing fan.
