Hector Camacho Jr.: No Fortunate Son

Posted by Ryan Bates on 08.27.2009

The 48-3-1 (27 KOs) boxer looks to step out of his dad's footsteps; says "I am proud to be a fighter."

Two days before his fight against Israel "Pito" Cardona, Hector Camacho Jr. took time to talk to his fans, and his critics. Whereas both men are fighting for a trinket belt and the opportunity to further their career, Camacho Jr. has added incentive to win Saturday in Ohio.

"People would constantly compare me to my father," said Camacho Jr., referring to Puerto Rican champion Hector "Macho" Camacho. "I felt as though the media was waiting for me to make a mistake to jump on me. I felt insecure and how could you be a great fighter when you feel that way. I was dealing with celebrity phobia. I was fighting to make a show and was feeling uneasy with all the eyes watching me. I have learned a lot since then. Most importantly, I have matured.

"I have built a new and better life for myself. I have been meditating and seeking the spiritual path to gain focus and to tap into my inner power. I have reached that and I feel great. I am working to establish my own legacy. Take the old Hector and turn him into a new and better model. It's wonderful to be able to really search within and make the appropriate changes. I've grown a lot and I am in love with the sport again. I totally enjoy training, I feel good to be in shape all the time instead of rushing to meet a goal at the end. I'm not the same person I used to be. I'm a much better fighter and look to become a champion."

But for a while, the championship was not in his mind. Neither was boxing. "After the Jesse James Leija fight I nearly lost it all," Camacho admitted. "I was depressed, angry, frustrated. So many people turned on me. The press burned me. But I emerged stronger. A loss is a loss but I don't intend to feel that again because I am a better prepared fighter – mentally, physically and emotionally."

He continued, "I've been watching so many under achievers and feel we need to be re-committed to this sport. Boxing is beautiful. It is the old world sport of the gladiators of sweat, pride, dedication and fierce competition. You have to have incredible skills to be successful in this sport. We need to appreciate this wonderful sport. Respect it and deal with pride. I am proud to be a fighter. I don't do this for the big networks or the big fighters or the big paydays. I do this because I love boxing and I want to be the best."

Hector Camacho Jr. came crashing down, trying to be the son of the Puerto Rican legend, but now says that "for everything I had lost, I have now gained. I now feel 1000% committed. I am on a mission and for everyone that sees me fight this Saturday, they'll take notice."