ACRI, DiBELLA, STEWARD & CAMACHO JR. ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP!

16.04 - Michael Acri and Lou DiBella announced today they have signed on as the promoters for welterweight contender HECTOR "MACHO" CAMACHO, JR. Their first order of business was to retain the services of legendary trainer Emanuel Steward.

Camacho Jr., 35-1 (20 KOs), the son of legendary world champion Hector "Macho" Camacho, has demonstrated the same flair inside and outside the ring as his father, making him a fan-favorite as well as garnering very impressive TV ratings for HBO's "KO Nation" and "Boxing After Dark," FOX Sports Net's "Sunday Night Fights," and Telemundo's "Boxeo."

"Hector Camacho, Jr. is a tremendous talent in need of a new beginning," said DiBella

Camacho made his pro debut in 1996 after a very impressive amateur career. He won his first 31 bouts, en route to becoming the WBA's mandatory super lightweight challenger. But after a controversial "No Contest" to James Leija in 2001, followed by his upset decision loss to Omar Weis last year, it was clear that Camacho had to rededicate himself to boxing if he was to ever realize his potential. Camacho has moved up to the welterweight division since losing to Weis, capturing the USBO welterweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Arturo Urena last September, followed by a first round stoppage over Freddie Ladd in November.

"I have known Hector since he was a little boy," echoed Acri, who has guided Hector's father's latter half of a successful career, which has included championship bouts against Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya and Roberto Duran. "I have had a close relationship with the entire family. Lou and I feel we can get him back on track to the road to a title."

Steward, who has trained many world champions including Tommy Hearns and currently Lennox Lewis, has been impressed with Hector since his amateur days. "Hector has a lot of talent and a solid amateur background," said Steward. "He was one of the top fighters in the USA Boxing program, which is boxing's version of a good pedigree. He has tremendous power, and that is something you cannot teach. When we get together in early May, I am going to get him back to basics and work very hard on exploiting his many talents - speed, boxing and effectively utilizing his power."