Hector Camacho

Héctor Camacho Matías (May 24, 1962 – November 24, 2012) was a Puerto Rican professional boxer who competed from 1980 to 2010. He held world championships in three weight classes, including the WBC, WBA, and IBF lightweight titles, and the WBO junior welterweight title. Known for his flashy style and punching power, Camacho was one of the most popular boxers of the 1980s and 1990s.

Camacho was born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, and began boxing at the age of 16. He won a gold medal at the 1979 Pan American Games and represented Puerto Rico at the 1980 Summer Olympics. After turning professional, Camacho quickly rose through the ranks, winning his first 23 fights. He won his first world title, the WBC lightweight championship, in 1983 by defeating José Luis Ramírez. He defended the title five times before losing it to Edwin Rosario in 1986.

Camacho regained the WBC lightweight title in 1987 and defended it once before moving up to the junior welterweight division. He won the WBO junior welterweight title in 1989 and defended it three times before losing it to Greg Haugen in 1991. Camacho then moved up to the welterweight division and won the WBA welterweight title in 1991 by defeating Loreto Garza. He defended the title twice before losing it to Félix Trinidad in 1994.

Camacho continued to fight until 2010, but never regained a world title. He finished his career with a record of 79-6-3, with 38 knockouts. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2016.

Camacho was a controversial figure both inside and outside the ring. He was known for his flamboyant personality and his outspokenness. He was also involved in several legal problems, including drug possession and domestic violence. In 2012, Camacho was shot in the face while sitting in his car in Bayamón. He died from his injuries two days later.

Despite his troubles, Camacho is remembered as one of the most exciting boxers of his generation. He was a natural showman who always put on a good fight. He was also a skilled boxer with a devastating left hook. Camacho's legacy is one of a talented but troubled fighter who never reached his full potential.