Hector “Macho” Camacho, the former world boxing champion, is in serious condition following a shooting in the city of Bayamon, Puerto Rico. Here’s what you should know about the former boxing great and the tragic attack.
1. He Was Shot in The Face
Camacho was sitting in a vehicle outside a bar with a friend, when at least one gunman opened fire on Tuesday night. Camacho was struck in the jaw by a bullet, which lodged in his right shoulder after exiting his head. Additionally two vertebrae were fractured in the incident. His acquaintance in the car did not survive the incident.
2. He Suffered Cardiac Arrest During the Night
Camacho’s heart stopped while under the care of Centro Medico, the trauma center in San Juan. Doctors were able to revive him, but described his cerebral activity as “very low.”
3. He May Be Taken Off Life Support
The former champ’s condition has been a roller coaster through the night, but previous optimism has wavered. As per a report by the Los Angeles Times, Camacho’s condition has worsened, and the doctors may remove his respirator.
4. He’s Probably Paralyzed
If he does pull through, there is a difficult road to recovery ahead. The two fractured vertebrae make it very likely that he will be paralyzed, at least initially. His physical fitness should benefit his rehabilitation, but right now the situation is described as “extremely delicate.”
5. He Was Planning a Comeback
Camacho had not been in the ring since 2010, but the 50-year-old had his eyes on a possible return in 2013. Following in the footsteps of other boxing greats, the draw of the ring was too appealing to walk away from cold turkey. His trainer reported that the boxer was in good condition prior to the shooting, and that he felt a comeback was possible.
6. His Heyday Was in the ’80s
During the 1980s, Camacho was a force to be reckoned with. He won super lightweight, lightweight, and junior welterweight titles in the decade. His victories included a 12 round slug fest with Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, in which he captured the WBO Light Welterweight title. He also holds the distinction of beating giant of the sport Sugar Ray Leonard, and putting him into permanent retirement following the 41-year-olds comeback attempt.
7. He’s Facing A Felony Count of Child Abuse
In April of 2012, the former boxing champion turned himself in to Orlando authorities after a warrant for his arrest was issued. Allegedly he picked up his teenage son by the neck, slammed him to the ground, and kicked him. The event supposedly occurred at his ex-wife’s home.
8. He was Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison
After being convicted on burglary charges pertaining to the robbery of a computer store in Mississippi, his sentence was commuted to mostly probation, and the champ only ended up serving two weeks in the slammer.
9. He’s Kind of a Scumbag
His former wife filed domestic abuse charges against him twice before filing for divorce several years ago. Both of these complaints were filed during a period of time when myriad drug- and alcohol-related incidents haunted Camacho’s record.
10. He’s a Reality TV Star
To complete his resume, and show off some sweet moves, Hector danced on ¡Mira Quien Baila!, which is the American/Spanish speaking version of the hit show Dancing With The Stars. Later, he would serve as a entertainment newscaster and critic of the competition for the Univision entertainment news program El Gordo y La Flaca (The Fat and The Skinny).