By Ryan Songalia
Hector Camacho Jr, 46-3-1 (26 KO) has been around long enough to know the ups and downs of being a professional prize fighter. At one time Camacho Jr., son of the colorful Hector Sr., was the top contender in one of the sanctioning organization's rankings and a top prospect on the cusp of stardom. Now he finds himself searching for identity without a promoter.
Still only 29, "Machito" is trying to navigate the boxing waters towards a showdown with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., the undefeated son of legendary Chavez Sr. who cruised and bruised his way to a unanimous decision over Camacho Sr. in 1992.
Since dropping a decision to Don Juan Futrell last year, Camacho Jr. has run off four consecutive wins, including two straight in Mexico.
BoxingScene: Machito, the last we had heard of you is that you were interested in fighting Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in Mexico. What is going on with that situation?
Camacho: "At Chavez's fight when he fought Celaya, his promoter put a comment out that Camacho was next and they wanted to fight in July. I read the article and coming from them, I was like, 'Oh s**t, interesting.' So I had someone close to them call them and he told me, 'Yeah they want the fight.'
"So they put a double-header on with both of us. I wasn't at my best weight and conditioning wise because they called me short notice. That spooked them a little bit. They pushed the date back to maybe September. Now maybe it's next year. They're trying to stall the fight. Chavez's father came to my dressing room and told me we're going to make this fight happen for September or October. Chavez Sr. is a man of his word so I know.
"Maybe it doesn't make sense in the promoter's pockets. I want the fight, Puerto Rico wants the fight and so does Mexico. How long will they protect this kid?"
BoxingScene: What weight division will you be sticking to in the immediate future?
Camacho Jr: "154 and 147. The problem is that I got lazy. I can't put the blame on nobody else. Due to that the politics in boxing people don't see. It's like a bunch of bitches, everybody gossips. In boxing, you're as good as your last fight. For the Chavez fight I'd like to get to 154. After that, maybe I'll go down to the 150s, to 47."
BoxingScene: The last time we spoke was before your last loss, the Futrell fight, in which you told me that this was going to be your last run at the top, your last hurrah. What is convincing you to continue with your career? Can you still compete at a high level?
Camacho Jr: "Yes, I've never been beaten up Ryan. If I've been beaten, it's because I've been beaten out of shape, overweight, not giving an F, just showing up to fight. The losses that I've had have been one point losses, split decisions. I've never been beaten, I've beaten myself. I'm 29 and I've never been beaten up. People question my heart and desire. Then I gotta say, 'Yeah, I've been lazy and disheartened by the bulls**t with promoters.' That takes a lot out of you because a fighter has to keep his head clear.
"Most of my fights have been outside of the ring. By the time I get to the ring I'm a beaten fighter. Then again, thats no excuse because I've been out of shape. I walk around heavy. But now I'm clear, I'm a hell of a fighter. I just need the right fight to motivate me. Fighting Joe Blows isn't going to get me up and motivating me. Fighting Chavez Jr. would motivate me."
BoxingScene: You've run off four straight wins in different divisions. Mentally, where are you now? Are you in a position where you can take advantage of some of the assets you have, or are you just here trying to find yourself still?
Camacho Jr: "Mentally, I guess I'm trying to find myself and get back in the groove. I'm without a promoter right now. I'm having a little bit of a managerial problem which I'm fixing up right now. I'm clean slate right now, though. There were talks about me fighting July 12th on the Chavez Jr. card. I'm just training in the gym. I'm fresh and clean. It's just a matter of time."
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