Hector “Macho” Camacho was a fan-favorite in the boxing world for three decades. If nothing else, you knew every time Camacho stepped into the ring he was going to make it entertaining. From his colorful trunks to his breathtaking quickness, Camacho made a lasting impression on everyone who watched him in the ring. In 2012, the boxing world was crushed to learn “Macho” tragically passed away from an accidental shooting directed at another man. He was 50 years old.

Hector Camacho’s incredible boxing career

Hector Camacho was a transcendent star from the moment he stepped in the ring. His naturally quick hands were only rivaled by his infectious personality and flair for the dramatic. Camacho was one of the greatest showmen in boxing history and one of the best Puerto Rican fighters ever.

“Macho” started his professional career in 1980 when he was just 18 years old. He won the first 38 bouts as a pro before finally losing to Greg Haugen in 1991. Camacho finished his career with an outstanding 79-6-3 record.

His biggest win came in 1997 when he beat Sugar Ray Leonard by TKO. He also fought other legends such as Julio Cesar Chavez and Oscar De La Hoya during his storied career.

Camacho fought his last fight in 2010. He was 40 years old at the time and far away from his boxing prime, and he lost to Saul Duran by unanimous decision. He finished his career as a former world champion in three weight classes.

Hector Camacho was shot in a drive-by attack in Puerto Rico and died days later

On Nov. 20, 2012, Camacho and his friend, Adrian Mojica Moreno, were sitting in a black Ford Mustang in a parking lot in Bayamon, P.R. While they sat in the parked car, two men drove by and shot multiple times into the Mustang.

Moreno was shot twice and died at the scene. Camacho was shot in the left side of his face. He was immediately taken to the nearby Puerto Rico Medical Center, where doctors found the bullet to be lodged in his shoulder. Camacho also fractured his vertebrae in the shooting.

Four days after the shooting, Camacho had a heart attack and was taken off life support shortly after. He was declared braindead on Nov. 24, 2012. Camacho was 50 years old.

Both attackers fled the scene after the shooting, and they were never caught by Puerto Rican law enforcement.

The shooting was directed at Adrian Mojica Moreno, not Hector Camacho

Hector Camacho was a beloved sports figure in Puerto Rico. He had one of the most prolific boxing careers of any Puerto Rican fighter, and the country always praised him as a champion.

Boxing fans around the world, and especially in Puerto Rico, were shocked to learn of Camacho’s death in 2012. How could anyone want to kill a legendary athlete revered by an entire nation? Well, it turned out Camacho wasn’t the target of the attack.

Camacho’s friend, Adrian Mojica Moreno, was. Moreno and the two shooters had some previous bad blood, and the deadly attack was meant just to kill him. Camacho just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.

“Macho” wasn’t a perfect role model, but he didn’t deserve the tragic death he endured in 2012. He had plenty of good years left and plenty to give to the boxing community in Puerto Rico. Sadly, his life was cut short in cruel fashion at 50 years old.

All stats courtesy of BoxRec