By Joseph Herron: Tonight, June 23rd, in San Antonio, TX, Hector “Macho” Camacho Jr. (53-4-1, 28 KOs) takes his first step towards a world championship in the talent enriched Junior Middleweight division when he enters the ring for the first time in 16 months.
Although the 33 year old fighter is a 16 year ring veteran, the Puerto Rican native admits that he is entering this stage of his career with a much healthier and more mature mentality.
“When I began my career in 1996, everything didn’t happen the way I thought it would,” professes Hector Camacho Jr. “But that’s what defines a champion is the ability to learn from your mistakes and comeback even stronger. I’ve learned a lot from past mistakes, personally and professionally, and I am more focused now than I have ever been at any previous time throughout my career.”
Veteran trainer Tito Santiago claims that fight fans will see a new and improved “Macho” Camacho Jr. throughout this campaign for championship gold.
“Hector is a much more humble person than most realize,” explains Camacho trainer Tito Santiago. “He has been a very disciplined student while I’ve been working with him, and has been working meticulously to get back to the elite level of boxing. He has progressed by leaps and bounds over the past two years and will give any of the best fighters at 154 and 147 pounds the fight of their lives.”
“He has significantly grown both spiritually and technically since I’ve been with him. I truly believe that he will finally become his own man and force everyone to redefine how they view Hector Camacho Jr.”
After a brief stint in the Middleweight divison, “Machito” claims that he will finally be fighting at his appropriate weight.
“I had no business fighting at 160 pounds,” confesses Hector Camacho Jr. “I am now fighting comfortably in the Junior Middleweight division and can possibly make 147 pounds by the end of this year. I can see myself realistically campaigning in both weight divisions depending on the nature of the fight.”
Camacho, although humble in nature, believes that he has the ability to fight at the elite level of the sport and ultimately wants to face the best in boxing.
“I believe in myself and I know I can give anyone at the top level of the Junior Middleweight division a very difficult time in the ring. I want to face the best that’s out there. Bring on Kirkland, Alvarez, Angulo, Molina, Lara, Bundrage, Trout, Martirosyan…any of the top names in the division. I know I have the ability to defeat anyone in the division, and it’s only a matter of time before everyone else in boxing realizes it.”
After a 16 month lay-off, Camacho Jr. will take on young southpaw John David Charles of Corpus Christi, TX. Although he is facing a very awkward fighter in his first return bout, “Machito” feels that he will show everyone in attendance that he is indeed a new and improved fighter.
“I plan to put on a tremendous show for everyone in San Antonio, TX, tonight,” claims Hector Camacho Jr. “This is my first fight in a series to show everyone the new Camacho Jr. I know everyone is familiar with the existing Camacho name, but I plan to create a new Camacho brand. In due time, everyone in the sport will learn that Junior is his own man and will be recognized among the elite in boxing. I guarantee it!!”
Zeferino Entertainment in association with Corona Extra presents: “The Return of Hector “Macho” Camacho Jr.” at La Villita’s Maverick Plaza, located in the heart of Downtown San Antonio, TX. The Puerto Rican showman will be fighting young southpaw technician John David Charles in the eight round main event of the evening.
Featured in the six round co-main event will be undefeated Junior Flyweight prospect Joel Garcia, who will face his toughest test to date when he takes on San Antonio favorite Joseph “Mighty Angel” Rios.
Also showcased on the undercard will be Alamo City’s own Christina Ruiz paired against “The Viking Princess” Nohime Dennison in a fan friendly female grudge match.
Rounding out the bout sheet will be amateur sensation Kenton Sippio-Cook, who makes his pro debut in the Welterweight division, and “El Potro” Rolando Campos, returning to the squared circle in a four round special feature.
Doors open at 6PM and the action begins at 7PM. Tickets start at $40.00 with VIP Tables available.
To purchase tickets, visit www.ZBoxing.com or call 210-427-0260.