REMEMBER THE MACHO MAN

Ever since I had use of my cognitive faculties I was a fan of boxing. Coming from Puerto Rico and being accustomed to fighters like the sensational Wilfred Benitez, the amazing Wilfredo Gomez and the champion of champions Felix Trinidad it's understandable why. With the tragic and untimely passing of Hector "El Macho" Camacho I want to focus a little and what it was that made him an unforgettable figure despite his controversial nature in and certainly outside of the ring.

Like the Macho or hate him you had to give him credit because he was a true warrior. Looking back on his carer Camacho put up incredible performances against the likes of Ray Mancini, Bazooka Limon and many others. One truly sensational display of courage was his fight against fellow Puerto Rican great Edwin "Chapo" Rosario. That night in 1986 Camacho gave Rosario a fight and while many feel Rosario won Camacho came away with the edge. If ever Camacho was defined in his 88 fight career that was the one for him.

Camacho would go on a decline as most fighters do but even in that decline he was still flashy and still a warrior. In losing against Julio Cesar Chavez, Felix Trinidad, and Oscar De La Hoya, Camacho showed he was a game fighter refusing to give up choosing instead to go out on his shield. A three division champion Camacho was the flashy anti-hero and he played his role well, maybe to well for his own good. In later fights Camacho still sought to entertain and attempted to give flashes of the skills that made him great. Camacho's last great performances came in the way of a five round beating of Ray Leonard and two decision wins against a past his prime Roberto Duran.

It's sad that Camacho died the way he died and that the controversy in his personal life will likely overshadow his greatness in the ring. I remember meeting Macho more than once at a gym I frequented years ago. Macho could still move his hands with great quickness and give anyone a severe lesson. Remember the great fighter that he was and not the troubled individual that he became. Forget the attempt at a singing career and think of his dominant performances over 41 straight wins and three world titles.

What time is it? MACHO TIME!