Connect with us

Articles of 2008

Could It Be Macho Time Again?

Published

on

After a three year hiatus and a boxing career that has lasted nearly three decades, the proud Puerto Rican fighting legend Hector “Macho” Camacho is making his return to the ring on Friday, July 18th, at the Reliant Arena in Houston, Texas.

Camacho feels like he is two fights away from a showdown with the boxing elite.

At 46 years young, does he still have what it takes to compete or is he just another crazed veteran that doesn’t know when to hang up the gloves? The Macho Man speaks of his hoped-for resurrection here.

RM: You’re fighting Perry Ballard on July 18th, how is your prep going for that fight?

HMC: Well. I have been training for eight to nine months. It is not like before you know because before I was fighting regularly but not training as hard as I am now. Being that I have been off for three years, I went back to the gym and I have been training everyday. I am a student of boxing again. I’m sparring everyday, training every day. I am going back to being a student of the boxing game, and it's fun, enjoyable, and I am 46 years old but I am feeling like I am 26 years old. So I am feeling great.

RM: You were saying that you’re going back to being a student of the boxing game, when did you stop?

HMC: I am back to being a student you know. In other words, I am running everyday, I’m resting, and I’m eating well, training well. You know before when I used to fight three or four times a year I took a lot more chances. There would be times when I would say, 'Oh I’ll skip a day,' or 'I’ll skip training today.' So, before I would skip training in the gym. But now with my discipline, I have become a student of the game and I am spending more time in the gym and it makes me a better fighter.

RM: Well, that’s great Hector, but what gives you the desire to keep fighting?

HMC: Well, it is something that I have been doing all of my life. You know, I created my own style and I created my own habits. I mean, it's something that I love to do. I am not doing it because I need money or because I lack money. I do it because fighting is in my character. Much of my personality is in my boxing so that is why I am doing it.

RM: Alright, let’s take a step back and talk about your career. Who was your toughest opponent?

HMC: Well I would have to say my ex-wife, you know…

RM: Your ex-wife?

HMC: Yeah, that lady, she got me for a lot of things. Other than that, I fought guys like Oscar De la Hoya, Felix Trinidad, Chavez, a lot of big, big, fights. I fought Boom Boom Mancini, Pazienza, and Roberto Duran. I mean, I fought them all. And it’s good now because at 46 years old, I haven’t really been abused with punches. It makes me feel like a young boy.

RM:  What are your expectations? Do you want to win a world title?

HMC: My expectations are to pick up a title right now, which I am fighting for on the 18th, a junior middleweight championship, and there is another title on the line. So basically there are two titles on the line. Also, hopefully (a victory) will give me something as leverage with any of the fighters out there that are in the top ratings to allow me to make a big payday or make a big showdown with somebody. It means I have something to play with. This by far is important to me because I will be going for my tenth world title. I will be one of the only ones to be going for their tenth world title. Besides Oscar De la Hoya, I think Oscar De la Hoya has nine too.

RM: That’s good. So Macho Man, what is your greatest achievement in the ring?

HMC: Probably winning nine titles. I mean, my entire career is an accomplishment. I defeated Sugar Ray Leonard. I beat Pazienza. I fought in 85 professional fights and suffered really just three loses. The other two losses were just bull, you know, taking a point here and there, or a disqualification, that’s bull. So I really only have three losses in my career. So that right there is a great accomplishment.

RM: That’s true. But do you have any regrets?

HMC: No, not really, you win and you lose. Everything is a learning process. I mean, I came from nobody to become one of the legends of boxing. You know, that says a lot. I wasn’t asking for this. I came behind Sugar Ray, behind Muhammad Ali. I wasn’t really prepared but I went through with it. You know, I fought Sugar Ray, he was in my era. So I often say I came after Muhammad Ali. That’s really great. I love it man, its macho time!

RM: Hey, you did have a unique style, I’ll give you that. I loved your fight with Pazienza in the early 1990s that was great.

HMC: Thank you, that’s when it was, February 1990.

RM: Any bouts that you wish took place, but didn't come off?

HMC:  I wanted to fight Pernell Whitaker and I wanted to fight Meldrick Taylor. But other than that, I fought anybody and everybody. But now that I am coming back, I am putting myself on the spot. If I do well, I will be looking for a fight with Pretty Boy Floyd, he is still out there, or probably a fight with De la Hoya, he is still out there. But it all depends on my performance and how well I perform. We’ll see if I have what it takes to take on a Pretty Boy Floyd or Oscar De la Hoya.

RM: I’m not sure if fighting those guys is a possibility. But you never know.

HMC: Well, I am sure I am going to win this fight. And I am sure it’s going to help me build towards being one of the greatest of the greats. Beating fighters like De la Hoya, Pretty Boy Floyd, or any of those boys out there motivates me. I come here to take over. I come here to make a statement. You know, like Muhammad Ali did. When Ali went to Africa to fight George Foreman no one thought he could do that. But he came back and beat George Foreman. So I am trying to do the same thing. I am here to do the impossible. I mean I’ve fought everybody in my time and it’s still my time because I am still fighting. So, it means I am going after guys like Floyd Mayweather, Oscar De la Hoya, or any of those people out there. You know in boxing, you win and you lose. I lost to Oscar De la Hoya. I lost to Trinidad. I lost to Chavez, yes. But I am back. You know, Bob Arum was talking about having a big fight card with Hector Jr. fighting Chavez Jr. and Hector Sr. fighting Chavez Sr. They are going to call it the “Timeless Field.” So, I think I have to go get through this event first before I go and fight a really big fight again, which is great.

RM: When is the Chavez/Camacho fight supposed to happen?

HMC: Well, Bob Arum hadn’t confirmed it with me yet. I spoke with him about a month ago back at the boxing Hall of Fame. He brought it to my attention. So I think it going to happen around November 1st. My son and Chavez Jr. fought on the 12th and I fight on the 18th. We all have to win to make it happen.

RM: Wow, that would be interesting.

HMC: Yes, it will be.

RM: Let me ask you this. What influenced you to be a boxer growing up?

HMC: Well, I grew up in the martial arts. I received a third degree black belt. Then I turned amateur in boxing at about 15. You had to be one year older to be an amateur but I kind of sneaked in. Then I won three gold gloves and some amateur championships in 1980. But my father is the one that encouraged me to be a boxer and I have been doing well ever since.

RM: So I am hearing that Angelo Dundee is going to be training you for this fight on July 18th.

HMC: Yes, that is definitely great too. He is a great inspiration to my comeback you know. Just having somebody to help me with his history is a blessing and an honor. I love Angelo. I love the whole idea.

RM: So when do you think your career is going to be over Hector?

HMC: I am taking it by a fight by fight basis. It is history in the making for me now you know. I will do well. People that enjoy watching me fight know I am not here to get hurt or get punchy. I am here to win and I know I will do great.

RM: So when your career is over, what do you want people to say about Hector “Macho” Camacho?

HMC: He was one of the greatest fighters in his era. That is a true fact.

RM: Do you have anything else you would like to say to your fans?

HMC: It’s Macho time again!

RM: Thank you for your time Macho.

HMC: Amen, Papi.

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Continue Reading
Advertisement
A-Night-of-Mismatches-Turns-Topsy-Turvy-at-Mandalay-Bay-Resendiz-Shocks-Plant
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

A Night of Mismatches Turns Topsy-Turvy at Mandalay Bay; Resendiz Shocks Plant

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

Vito-Mielnicki-Whitewashes-Kamil-Gardzielik-Before-the-Home-Folks-in-Newark
Featured Articles1 week ago

Vito Mielnicki Jr Whitewashes Kamil Gardzielik Before the Home Folks in Newark

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

More-Medals-for-Hawaii's-Patricio-Family-at-USA-Boxing's-Summer-Festival
Featured Articles1 week ago

More Medals for Hawaii’s Patricio Family at the USA Boxing Summer Festival

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

Callum-Walsh-Umar-Dzambekov-and-Cain-Sandoval-Remain-Unbeaten-at-Santa-Ynez
Featured Articles1 week ago

Callum Walsh, Umar Dzambekov and Cain Sandoval Remain Unbeaten at Santa Ynez

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

Avila-Perspective-Chap-331-Callum-Walsh-Brian-Norman-Galal-Yafai-and-More
Featured Articles1 week ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 331: Callum Walsh, Brian Norman, Galal Yafai and More

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Brian Norman Jr Bombs Out Jin Sasaki with a Frightful Left Hook

Paro
Featured Articles5 days ago

Liam Paro Returns with a Flourish on Wednesday’s ‘No Limit’ Card in Queensland

A-Closer-Look-at-Mario-Barrios-Poised-to-Wreck-the-Comeback-of-a-Legend
Featured Articles5 days ago

A Closer Look at Mario Barrios, Poised to Wreck the Comeback of a Legend

Jake-Paul-Outpoints-Julio-Cesar-Chavez-Jr-plus-Other-Results-from-Anaheim
Featured Articles2 days ago

Jake Paul Outpoints Julio Cesar Chavez Jr plus Other Results from Anaheim

Mbilli-Blasts-Out-Sulecki-in-Quebec-Wilder-TKOs-Herndon-in-Wichita
Featured Articles3 days ago

Mbilli Blasts Out Sulecki in Quebec; Wilder TKOs Herndon in Wichita

Mexico's-Francisco-Rodriguez-Jr-is-the-TSS-Fighter-of-the-Month-for-June
Featured Articles3 hours ago

Mexico’s Francisco Rodriguez Jr is the TSS Fighter of the Month for June

Jake-Paul-Outpoints-Julio-Cesar-Chavez-Jr-plus-Other-Results-from-Anaheim
Featured Articles2 days ago

Jake Paul Outpoints Julio Cesar Chavez Jr plus Other Results from Anaheim

Holly-Holm-Joshua-Edwards-and-Rene-Alvarado-Sparkle-on-the-Paul-Chavez-Undercard
Featured Articles2 days ago

Holly Holm, Joshua Edwards, and Rene Alvarado Sparkle on the Paul-Chavez Undercard

Mbilli-Blasts-Out-Sulecki-in-Quebec-Wilder-TKOs-Herndon-in-Wichita
Featured Articles3 days ago

Mbilli Blasts Out Sulecki in Quebec; Wilder TKOs Herndon in Wichita

Avila-Perspective-Chap-332-Jake-Paul-vs-Chavez-Jr-plus-Mbilli-Deontay-and-More
Featured Articles3 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 332: Jake Paul vs Chavez Jr., plus Mbilli, Deontay and More

A-Closer-Look-at-Mario-Barrios-Poised-to-Wreck-the-Comeback-of-a-Legend
Featured Articles5 days ago

A Closer Look at Mario Barrios, Poised to Wreck the Comeback of a Legend

Paro
Featured Articles5 days ago

Liam Paro Returns with a Flourish on Wednesday’s ‘No Limit’ Card in Queensland

More-Medals-for-Hawaii's-Patricio-Family-at-USA-Boxing's-Summer-Festival
Featured Articles1 week ago

More Medals for Hawaii’s Patricio Family at the USA Boxing Summer Festival

Callum-Walsh-Umar-Dzambekov-and-Cain-Sandoval-Remain-Unbeaten-at-Santa-Ynez
Featured Articles1 week ago

Callum Walsh, Umar Dzambekov and Cain Sandoval Remain Unbeaten at Santa Ynez

Vito-Mielnicki-Whitewashes-Kamil-Gardzielik-Before-the-Home-Folks-in-Newark
Featured Articles1 week ago

Vito Mielnicki Jr Whitewashes Kamil Gardzielik Before the Home Folks in Newark

Avila-Perspective-Chap-331-Callum-Walsh-Brian-Norman-Galal-Yafai-and-More
Featured Articles1 week ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 331: Callum Walsh, Brian Norman, Galal Yafai and More

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Brian Norman Jr Bombs Out Jin Sasaki with a Frightful Left Hook

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending