Hector Camacho: 1962—: Boxer

Camacho's impressive record in the ring (76-4-2, with 37 KOs) was nearly matched by his record outside the ring. A long-time abuser of drugs and alcohol, Camacho never seemed to mature either in looks or behavior, retaining both his boyish good looks and his boyish behavior. That behavior often distracted him from focusing on training or an upcoming bout, and brought him numerous legal problems and resulting fees that ate up much of his $15 million in earnings.

In 1995 and again in 1998, Camacho's wife filed domestic abuse complaints against him, also charging him with substance abuse and adultery. His wife finally filed for divorce, which was finalized in 2001. In February of 1998 he pled guilty to charges of marijuana possession, and in the following month was arrested for driving under the influence. In November of 1998 he was ticketed for leaving the scene of an accident and charged with driving without a license, which had been suspended due to previous infractions. In March of 2001 Camacho was arrested at a nightclub in East Harlem for possession of a controlled substance. The police reported that Camacho was found with a small amount of powder cocaine. Camacho avoided prison when the case was dropped.

Camacho has not always been a popular boxer. His showboating style as "Macho Comacho" included trips to the ring in a loincloth, a diaper, a dress, a Roman gladiator's costume, leotards, an Indian costume complete with headdress, and lots of leather. But although he never achieved the level of fame of a Duran or a Leonard, Camacho was good for the sport of boxing because he brought excitement, entertainment, and enthusiasm to boxing during his long and varied career.